The Education, Science and Youth Affairs Committee approved, in the I reading, the draft Law on Diplomatic Service, which provide for the establishment of a Diplomatic Academy.

According to the proposed amendments, a “Legal Entity under Public Law – Diplomatic Academy” will be established to train future diplomats and implement bachelor’s and master’s degree programs.

Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Khatuna Totladze stated that the establishment of the Diplomatic Academy under the auspices of the Foreign Affairs Ministry is conditioned on the specific nature of diplomatic service, the complexity of its tasks, and the high responsibility associated with safeguarding state interests.

“The operation of the Academy within the Ministry’s system will create opportunities for educational programs to be directly linked to foreign policy processes, international negotiations, and the day-to-day practice of diplomatic activities. The Academy will ensure that educational and research activities are fully aligned with the country’s foreign policy priorities and national interests”, - Khatuna Totladze stated.

According to her, through Georgia’s diplomatic missions and consular offices abroad, the Ministry will establish connections with diplomatic academies in foreign countries.

Khatuna Totladze also noted that the amendment defines the position of the Foreign Affairs Minister of Georgia as the highest diplomatic office.

At the same sitting, the Committee also reviewed and approved the establishment of a working group aimed at promoting the protection and development of the state language.