A delegation from Yerevan State University's Faculty of Oriental Studies paid a working visit to Georgia from September 22 to 24 to hold discussions and expand cooperation with leading Georgian centers of Oriental studies. The delegation included Dean of the Faculty, Professor Ruben Melkonyan, Head of the Chair of Iranian Studies, Professor Vardan Voskanyan, and Associate Professor at the Chair of Turkology Varuzhan Geghamyan.
During the visit, meetings and negotiations were held with the vice-rector for international relations of Tbilisi State University (TSU), representatives of the relevant department, as well as the leadership and academic staff of its Oriental studies units. The YSU delegation also met with the leadership and academic staff of the Institute of Oriental Studies at Ilia State University.
During the meetings, the sides discussed prospects for broader Armenian-Georgian academic cooperation and several specific initiatives in Oriental studies to be implemented in the coming months. The partnership will cover both research and education.
Commenting on the significance of the visit and the agreements reached, Dean of YSU Faculty of Oriental Studies, Professor Ruben Melkonyan, emphasized the importance of strengthening regional academic ties.
"Direct and active dialogue between the academic communities of Armenia and Georgia, particularly between their schools of Oriental studies, and the revival of that dialogue are of great importance. The agreements we have reached with leading Georgian universities open a new chapter for joint research, as well as faculty and student exchange programs, while also representing an effort to restore previously established traditions," Melkonyan said.
Head of the Chair of Iranian Studies, Professor Vardan Voskanyan, highlighted the importance of combining research capacities and advancing regional studies.
"Developments taking place in our region require in-depth and systematic expert analysis in Oriental studies. Joint research projects, seminars and conferences with our Georgian colleagues will provide an opportunity not only to broaden bilateral academic interests, but also to present more substantial research results on international platforms," Voskanyan said.
In the coming months, the sides will begin implementing the initiatives outlined during the visit, creating new opportunities for students and young researchers from both countries.
