Mikheil Chkhenkeli discusses opportunities for cooperation with the French Ambassador in terms of Education and implementation of joint programs with Kutaisi International University
The Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport of Georgia, Mikheil Chkhenkeli hosted the Ambassador of France to Georgia, Diego Colas.
Mikheil Chkhenkeli thanked the Ambassador for collaborating on numerous important and fruitful projects in the field of education. During the meeting, the parties discussed the challenges in the global education system, caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. Moreover, the Minister briefed Diego Colas on the implemented projects to ensure the continuous process of education. According to the ambassador, the clear instructions provided by the Ministry on health and educational issues are strictly followed by the French educational institutions in Georgia - the French School of the Caucasus, the French Institute in Georgia.
Furthermore, The Minister informed the Ambassador on the unique project of Kutaisi International University and spoke about the prospects of cooperation. The university, for which Mr. Bidzina Ivanishvili and his family have invested € 1 billion, will receive its first stream of students from September 2020. Mikheil Chkhenkeli noted that at this stage Kutaisi International University is actively cooperating with the world's leading universities and research centers, including the Technical University of Munich. The Minister welcomed the implementation of similar joint programs with leading French universities at all levels of education and noted that the University of Rennes has already expressed its readiness to engage in the academic and research process at Kutaisi International University.
Additionally, the Minister informed the French ambassador on the Centre for Hadron Therapy, where modern research in medical and nuclear physics will be carried out along with the treatment of oncological diseases. The Cartu Foundation has funded the Hadron Therapy Center with a sum of € 40 million. The Centre will house to cyclotrons, each designated for the cancer treatment and other oncological diseases. The Minister also spoke about the provision of the educational process at Kutaisi International University and noted that the professors of the world's leading universities will hold lectures alongside Georgian counterparts. There is also a possibility to read lectures remotely. This approach was developed by the university even before the pandemic began.
During the meeting, the parties also discussed the existing project of French-Georgian University, and according to Diego colas, the French Language Certification Examination Center is planned to be established in Georgia, serving the entire region. Relevant funds will be established for students to support the development of young people.
In addition, Mikheil Chkhenkeli offered the French side to implement joint scientific projects, emphasizing the need to strengthen cooperation in the field of vocational education, cultural and sports.
The meeting was also attended by representatives of the Embassy: The Director of the French Institute, Pierre Clouet and the Coordinator of the Linguistics and Education, David Tertre.
