Professor
Zurab Khonelidze, Rector of Sokhumi State University, received a personal
invitation from the Rector of the Diplomatic Academy of Azerbaijan to
participate in a significant scientific-political forum titled "Karabakh:
Returning Home after 30 Years. Achievements and Challenges," taking place
from December 4 to 7 in Zangezur, Azerbaijan. The event, organized by the
aforementioned institution, has attracted approximately 70 statesmen,
politicians, diplomats, and scientists from dozens of countries across America,
Europe, and Asia.
During
the forum, the Rector introduced the participants to the concept of the
Georgian Paradigm of Peace, currently being implemented through university
diplomacy. He highlighted the operational "Peace Education Center" at
Sokhumi State University, collaborating with scientists and researchers from
numerous countries. Professor Z. Khonelidze also elaborated on the trilingual
(Georgian, English, and Russian) monograph titled "Georgian Paradigm of
Peace," developed based on this idea. The monograph has already been
translated and published in eight European countries, with ongoing translation
processes in progress.
Regarding
this concept, participants at the forum expressed their eagerness to
collaborate with Sokhumi State University, and future projects were outlined
for implementation both in Georgia and internationally under the guidance of
our institution. This stands as a significant acknowledgment of Sokhumi State
University, directly linked to the international standing of Professor Zurab
Khonelidze and the innovative nature of the idea he introduced.
In
this context, the renowned American diplomat, Mr. Matthew Bryza, and the
representative from the Diplomatic Academy of Brussels, Professor Jean de
Brabander, engaged in discussions with the Rector of Sokhumi State University
about potential future collaborations. Mr. Brabander conveyed his admiration
for the concept of university diplomacy and expressed his desire for Sokhumi
State University and the Brussels Diplomatic Academy to undertake a joint
project to enhance peace processes in the Caucasus. He was aware of the
Rector's presentation to the European Parliament with a report, and an official
visit to his institution was scheduled at the end of December. In early
February of the following year, Professor J. De Brabander will be a guest at
Sokhumi State University.
The
former Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey, Mr. Hikmet Cetin,
has conveyed his respect for the Rector of Sokhumi State University and
extended an invitation for an official visit to Turkey. During this visit,
discussions with colleagues will focus on exploring the idea of the Georgian
paradigm of peace. Mr. Khonelidze shared with the esteemed Turkish diplomat
details about the strong connections between Sokhumi State University and
Turkish scientific research and educational-cultural institutions, a prospect
that excited Mr. Hikmet.
Additionally,
Mr. Khonelidze conducted an official meeting with the Special Representative of
President Ilham Aliyev in Zangezur, Mr. Vahid Hajiyev. During the meeting, an
invitation was extended to Mr. Hajiyev to visit Sokhumi State University. The
intention is for him to share insights on the restoration of Azerbaijan's
jurisdiction in Karabakh and the return of forcibly displaced Azerbaijani
citizens to their native areas. This experience holds significant importance,
as in the early XXI century, Azerbaijan became the first country to
successfully restore its territorial integrity.
The
forum is ongoing, and it is evident that one of its pivotal aspects has been
the introduction of a new regional peace concept by Professor Zurab Khonelidze,
the Rector of Sokhumi State University. This achievement not only reflects the
success of Sokhumi State University but also signifies a positive step towards
addressing the regional conflict, particularly considering the university's own
experience as a victim of Russia's aggression against Georgia. The institution
staunchly supports fellow citizens residing beyond the Enguri River, advocating
for peaceful coexistence within a united state.
In
the near future, Professor Zurab Khonelidze is scheduled to make an official
visit to the Republic of Armenia. As highlighted by the Armenian ambassador
during his visit to our university on July 6 of this year, "Mr. ZurabKhonelidze is a unique individual, acting as a bridge between the states of theCaucasus and between diplomacy and educational activities. The concept ofuniversity diplomacy, introduced by Mr. Khonelidze, is seen as a formula forinternational peace, and we owe him gratitude for envisioning and propagatingthis idea. The commendable work that Mr. Khonelidze is undertaking leads us tobelieve that 'university diplomacy' will soon encompass the entire Transcaucasiaregion."
