First-Ever MOCs Signed between Georgia and Vatican

For the first time in the diplomatic relations between Georgia and the Holy See, two memoranda of understanding were signed in the framework of President Salome Zourabichvili’s official visit to Vatican. The agreements on education and culture were called “very important” by the President, who underlined their priority directions for the future development of Georgia. The President also emphasized the importance to preserve and deepen traditions and Christian values of Georgia.

“One such traditional value is tolerance, which has been a historical reality for Georgia. People of all religions and faiths are accepted in Georgia, which is one of the centers of intercultural dialogue that we must maintain. Cooperation with [the Holy See] on this path will be very important,” stated the President.

President Zourabichvili proposed several initiatives of further cooperation during her meeting with officials from Vatican, including the idea of setting up a permanent scientific council between Georgia and Vatican to translate ancient Georgian Christian literature. The Vaticanese side stated that it was “ready” for Georgia to join the Global Compact on Education, which includes cooperation between peoples and cooperation in the fields of education, science, innovation and technology.

The Memorandum of Cooperation in Education was signed by Cardinal Giuseppe Versaldi, Prefect of the Congregation for Catholic Education, and Nunu Mitskevichi, Deputy Minister of Education and Science of Georgia.

Mrs. Mitskevichi emphasized the importance of the signature of this agreement to allow more active cooperation between researchers, scientists, and academicians. She stated, “This memorandum allows us to take further, concrete steps to bring the Georgian Institute of Manuscripts and the Vatican Archives closer. The framework memorandum will allow Georgian researchers to access the Vatican Archives and see the material that has been preserved there but has remained unpublished for years.”

The Memorandum of Cooperation in Culture was signed by Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi, President of the Pontifical Council for Culture, and Kakha Sikharulidze, First Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Youth Affairs of Georgia.

Mr. Sikharulidze noted that the memorandum entered into force upon signature and will allow the development of cultural ties between the two states, stating, “The memorandum is important as it covers almost all spheres of culture and will be another step forward in our bilateral ties.”