At a meeting of the Parliament’s Foreign Relations Committee, the draft law on amendments to the Law of Georgia “On Diplomatic Service” was discussed in the first reading under an expedited procedure. The bill was presented by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Khatuna Totladze.

According to the draft law, a Legal Entity under Public Law (LEPL) – the Diplomacy Academy will be established. The Academy will receive the status of a higher educational institution operating under the governance of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia and will offer bachelor’s and master’s degree programs, as well as a one-year professional development course.

At the same time, the bill introduces a new system for training diplomatic personnel. Under the proposed model, individuals who successfully complete the Academy’s one-year professional development course and obtain the relevant certificate will be appointed to diplomatic positions in accordance with the “Procedure for Diplomatic Service”.

The draft law also changes the rules for awarding diplomatic ranks and expands the list of senior diplomatic positions eligible to receive the rank of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary.

As a result of the proposed amendments, changes will also be introduced to the Law of Georgia “On Higher Education,” adding a definition of the term “Legal Entity under Public Law – Diplomacy Academy”.

The Diplomacy Academy will fall under the category of state-established higher educational institutions. In addition, special procedures will be defined for the election/appointment of the Academy’s rector and dean. The draft law further specifies that the Academy’s funding source will be program financing allocated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia.

“The proposed amendments will lay the foundation for the establishment of a high-standard academy in Georgia, which will play an important role in preparing professionals with the appropriate qualifications and intellectual capacity. They will be equipped with modern analytical skills, strong ethical standards, and an innovative vision in order to effectively protect and advance the country’s national interests in a changing geopolitical environment”, - the presenter stated.