The Minister of Education and Science of Georgia, Mikheil Chkhenkeli, hosted the Ambassador of Romania, Rezvan Rotundu, and discussed the possibilities of expanding cooperation in the field of education and science with him.

Mikheil Chkhenkeli thanked Rezvan Rotundu for his cooperation. At the meeting, the parties shared the experience of their countries in ensuring a continuous education process under the conditions of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Minister informed the guest about the main mega-project of the education system - Kutaisi International University and stressed that the author of the idea and concept of the university belongs to Mr. Bidzina Ivanishvili. As a result of his and his family's extremely important philanthropy, a world-wide academic and scientific-research space emerged in the country.

According to Mikheil Chkhenkeli, the university has started very well and has a rapidly growing rating and approval. Based on the results of the Unified National Examinations of 2021, according to the average competition score, Kutaisi International University takes the first place among the state universities.

The Minister noted that the high standard of the university and the degree of internationalization are conditioned by the approach, which involves the creation of academic programs in cooperation with the world's leading universities in a specific field. In addition, lectures at the Kutaisi International University are given by foreigners along with Georgian professors. The university is open to foreign students.

Mikheil Chkhenkeli noted that the development of science at Kutaisi International University is conditioned by the Hadron Therapy Center, where international scientific circles will be involved in the production of research in the field of oncology and proton therapy. According to the Minister, Romanian scientists and research institutions will also have the opportunity to participate in the collaboration. It should be noted that the Hadron Therapy Center is fully funded by the International Charitable Foundation "Cartu". The research process will begin with the development of ultra-modern cyclotrons, which are manufactured and assembled by the world's leading manufacturer of proton therapy equipment for cancer (IBA).

Furthermore, the Minister stressed that the new EU Framework Program for Research and Innovation, was solemnly signed in Brussels. According to him, the agreement opens great opportunities for Georgian scientists. The representatives of Georgia in the competitions of the Horizon Europe program will enjoy the same conditions and rights as the representatives of the field of science and innovation of the EU countries. Georgian scientists can take part in competitions announced within the framework of the research and innovation program with a budget of 95.5 billion euros.

At the meeting, the parties discussed the expansion of the Romanian government scholarship programs. The meeting held at the Ministry was attended by Deputy Ambassador Drago Ispas.