The Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport of Georgia, Mikheil Chkhenkeli hosted the Ambassador of France to Georgia, Diego Colas. During the, the parties discussed the possibilities of cooperation in the field of education, development of Kutaisi International University and the French-Georgian University.

Mikheil Chkhenkeli thanked the Ambassador for several important and fruitful projects in the field of education. Additionally, the parties shared the experience of their countries in ensuring a continuous education process in light of Covid-19 pandemic. The Minister briefed Diego Colas on the decisions of the Coordinating Council and the general action plan, which envisages the return of the educational process in the secondary schools to the natural environment - the classrooms.

Moreover, during the meeting, the parties discussed the world-class mega-project - Kutaisi International University and the future prospects of its development, including the implementation of joint educational programs with leading French universities. The Minister emphasized that the author of the idea and concept of Kutaisi International University belongs to Mr. Bidzina Ivanishvili. As a result of his and his family's extremely important contribution, a world-class academic space has emerged in the country, which gives young people the opportunity to receive a higher level of education in Georgia. It should be noted that Kutaisi International University is already cooperating with the University of Rennes and is ready to implement joint scientific projects with other French universities and introduce academic programs.

Mikheil Chkhenkeli also informed the French Ambassador about the Hadron Therapy Center and noted that special attention is paid to the scientific-research side at Kutaisi International University. The center will house two cyclotrons, one of which will be used to treat tumors, and the other - a scientific research process in oncology. The Hadron Therapy Center was fully funded by the Cartu Foundation.

Furthermore, the parties discussed ways to strengthen the existing project in the field of higher education and science - the French-Georgian University. Mikheil Chkhenkeli offered the French side to implement joint professional programs under the umbrella of the university.

The Ambassador of France noted that the ERASMUS + program is planned to expand the programs promoting academic mobility.

The meeting was also attended by representatives of the Embassy: Pierre Clois, Director of the French Institute and Advisor on Cooperation and Cultural Events, Bernard Meno, Director of the Caucasus French School, David Tertre, Executive Manager of the French-Georgian University.