Memorandum of Cooperation Signed Between Georgian Technical University and Azerbaijan State Agrarian University

A memorandum of cooperation has been signed between Georgian Technical University and Azerbaijan State Agrarian University (ADAU). The document was signed by the rectors – Academician David Gurgenidze and Professor Zafar Gurbanov.

The parties exchanged views on educational and research partnerships in the agricultural field and discussed prospects for joint projects with active student involvement. They also considered the development of exchange programs for students and academic staff.

The meeting was attended by representatives of Azerbaijani university, the Rector of Sokhumi State University, Professor Tea Jugeli; the Chancellor of GTU, Professor Carlo Kopaliani; the President of the Supervisory Board, Professor Zurab Gudavadze; Vice-Rectors, Professors Tamar Tsereteli and Tamar Lominadze; university administrative heads; the Dean of the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Chemical Technologies, Professor Liana Targamadze; faculty members; and students.

The rectors of Georgian Technical University and Azerbaijan State Agrarian University discussed cooperation issues, prospects for developing joint educational programs, and explored opportunities for introducing international practices and innovative approaches. They also discussed initiatives to support young people from both countries in engaging in scientific research and receiving high-quality education.

According to Academician David Gurgenidze, the memorandum signed with Azerbaijan State Agrarian University is significant in many respects for future cooperation, and its implementation will contribute to the development of the agricultural sector and economy of both countries.

“Georgia and Azerbaijan share a special friendship. We have a common strategic vision, which is strengthened by transboundary energy and transport projects such as Baku-Supsa, Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan, Baku-Tbilisi-Erzurum, TRACECA, and Baku-Tbilisi-Kars. Georgian Technical University cooperates fruitfully with various universities in Azerbaijan, including the Azerbaijan Diplomatic Academy (ADA) and its rector, Professor Hafiz Pashayev, the Azerbaijan University of Architecture and Construction, Azerbaijan State University, and others. It should also be noted that the Minister of Science and Education of Azerbaijan, Mr. Emin Amrulaev, and delegations from various Azerbaijani higher education institutions have visited Georgian Technical University multiple times as part of official visits.”

“We introduced the Rector and representatives of Azerbaijan State Agrarian University to the important international projects that our university’s researchers are successfully implementing in collaboration with leading universities and scientific centers worldwide. In addition, we discussed the possibilities of developing joint educational programs and teaching advanced agricultural technologies. We are confident that the scientific and educational partnership between Georgia and Azerbaijan will become even stronger and more multifaceted,” – said Davit Gurgenidze.

As the GTU Rector noted, under the ongoing reform of the higher education system in Georgia, starting from the next academic year, freshmen enrolled in agricultural educational programs in Georgia through national exams will be admitted to the Sukhumi State University. Accordingly, Sukhumi State University will continue its partnership with Azerbaijan State Agrarian University.

According to the Rector of Sukhumi State University, Professor Tea Jugheli, the Memorandum of Cooperation signed between the Georgian Technical University and Azerbaijan State Agrarian University will become even more effective through the visions and future plans outlined at the meeting.

“Developing education and teaching in the field of agricultural sciences at Sokhumi State University is a top priority for the future. We will pay special attention to expanding international cooperation, including deepening our partnership with Azerbaijan State Agrarian University, which will facilitate joint research projects, academic mobility, and the implementation of innovative approaches.

We express our gratitude to Georgian Technical University for the high-level development of the agricultural field, the training of professors and lecturers according to international standards, the creation of modern laboratory infrastructure, and, most importantly, for sharing this knowledge,” – said Tea Jugheli.

“As the Rector of Azerbaijan State Agrarian University, Professor Zafar Gurbanov stated, with the signing of the memorandum, a new stage of cooperation between the two universities has been established, which will give a strong impetus to the implementation of new joint projects, educational programs, and scientific research. This will serve as a foundation for strengthening ties between the academic circles and higher education institutions of both countries and for launching new joint scientific research projects.

According to Professor Liana Targamadze, Dean of the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Chemical Technologies at Georgian Technical University, the development of modern agricultural sciences and technologies depends in multiple ways not only on innovative research but also on the sharing of international experience.”

“For any university, a partnership that ensures knowledge transfer, the implementation of modern laboratory practices, and the execution of joint research initiatives is especially important. We are confident that this new partnership will strengthen Georgia’s educational and research capacities in the field of agricultural sciences and technologies, create additional platforms for the professional development of students and academic staff, and, at the same time, contribute to the sustainable development of the agricultural sector in the region,” –  said Liana Targamadze.

Before the signing of the cooperation memorandum, the Rector and delegation of the Azerbaijani university visited the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Chemical Technologies at Georgian Technical University, where they toured the faculty’s educational infrastructure, its well-equipped laboratory facilities with modern instruments and devices, and learned about ongoing research projects in various academic departments.