Claims on opening of Russian-Georgian university “unfounded” – education ministry

The Georgian education ministry on Monday said the claims by Dimitri Lortkipanidze, the Director of the Moscow-funded Primakov Georgia-Russia Public Center, that the first Russian-Georgian University “fully-funded and staffed” by Moscow would open in Georgia, were “unfounded”. 

 

The body said its agencies had received no official application on the launch of the new entity, adding both private and public educational facilities required an official permit to start activities in the country. 

 

The Russian media SOVA on Sunday cited Lortkipanidze as saying that his organisation was looking for a venue for the “unique university” in Georgia, and that a “clearer picture” was expected in September. 

 

“Currently, the issue of establishing a Georgian-Russian university is being specifically discussed. At this stage, we are looking for a suitable location for this educational institution. Studying at the university will be free – the Russian Federation will cover the costs. It will be a unique facility that will be fully staffed by the Russian side”, Lortkipanidze claimed. 

 

He also claimed a new visit was planned in Moscow in September, adding “direct communication” was “essential” in the process of “restoring” ties.