“I am delighted that we go on with the tradition of holding the International Kartvelological Congress in Tbilisi. Our assembly today is dedicated to not only our replete cultural heritage but stands as a confirmation of the efforts resorted to the maintenance and promotion of our language, literature, history and culture”, - the Speaker, H.E. Shalva Papuashvili stated at the International Kartvelological Congress.

As the Speaker noted, the identity being formed during the millenniums is the factor that will facilitate Georgia to become a full-fledged EU member, and the unique Georgian language is that will enrich the European family.

“Today, we accentuate the greatest merit that our ancestors contributed to the formation of the cultural-historical heritage reflecting the identity of our nation. The names of the founders of the Scientific Kartvelological Schools - Ivane Javakhishvili, Korneli Kekelidze, Akaki Shanidze, Shalva Mirianashvili, and Giorgi Chitaia are always mentioned with immense pride by us. At the same time, it is particularly applaudable that Georgian history and cultural heritage became the subject of the studies of the world-famous European Kartvelologists, specializing in Georgian studies: Marie Brosset, David Lang, Julius Aßfalg, Hugo Schuchardt, et al. These people promoted the manifestation of Georgian merit in the development of human civilization. Georgian language, literature, history and culture make us unified as a nation. And this is our outstanding cultural heritage that we chase the European way; this is our identity that has been generating for millenniums that will facilitate us to become a full-fledged EU member and enrich the European family, including our unique language, which will be included in the list of 24 official EU languages, and the writing system, which will be the fourth in the EU. In the modern era, against the background of globalization, the preservation of our cultural heritage is as paramount as ever. Thus, we extremely value the efforts of the National Academy of Sciences of Georgia, directed to the maintenance and further promotion of our national language, history and culture subjects. Today’s Congress is a marvelous platform for the exchange of knowledge and ideas among scientists and researchers, which will push the compliance of the Georgian studies with the contemporary milieu”, - the Speaker stated.

The Speaker thanked the Georgian and international scientists and researchers specializing in Georgian studies, as well as the National Academy of Sciences for their activity.

“By thoroughly acknowledging and valuing our part, we will be capable of building a successful future of our country. Our cultural heritage is our strength and thus, it is crucial to ensure its preservation to further descend the majesty of the Georgian culture to future generations. I would like to thank Georgian and international scientists and researchers specializing in Georgian studies for their truly valuable activity, and thank the National Academy of Sciences for organizing the Congress for the fourth time. I extend my wishes for interesting and successful meetings”, - the Speaker noted.