Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University (TSU) and Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE, Hungary) signed a Memorandum of Cooperation to open up new opportunities of partnership. The Memorandum was signed by Rector of TSU, George Sharvashidze and Rector of ELTE, László Borhy and it aims at increasing the number of student and academic staff mobility and exchange programs, promoting joint research programs in various fields, including archaeology. The two rectors agreed on signing the memorandum during the TSU delegation’s visit to ELTE in December 2021. 

On the sideline of the event, a “Foreign Friend of Georgia” award was conferred to ELTE Rector, László Borhy. “ELTE is one of the oldest and popular universities in Hungary and it is important that we are further expanding our cooperation. It is noteworthy that ELTE offers the Georgian language course, Kartvelian studies, Georgian library opened by Georgian Ambassador to Hungary, Zaal Goksadze two years ago. Due to these efforts, Mr. Borhy has been awarded with “Foreign Friend of Georgia.” A very interesting meeting was held between the Rector of ELTE, Hungarian Ambassador to Georgia, Anna Sikó and Georgian students learning Hungarian at TSU,” Rector Sharvashidze said. 

ELTE Rector, László Borhy hailed close cooperation between the two universities, saying an important part of the cooperation agreement with TSU covers history and archaeology. He expressed hope that many Georgian and Hungarian students will participate in joint exchange programs. 

Within the framework of the joint program of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia and the International Centre for Migration Policy Development, an annual “Foreign Friend of Georgia” award is conferred to a foreigner for his/her contribution to popularization of Georgian culture and raising awareness about Georgia. Rector of Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE), Prof. Dr. László Borhy, archaeologist, President of the Hungarian Rectors’Conference has made a huge contribution to popularization of Georgian language and literature and generally, Georgia. Due to his efforts, a Georgian library was opened at ELTE in 2019. László Borhy received the award in 2021. 

“I once again had an honor to confer the award “Foreign Friend of Georgia” to Mr. László Borhy, which was actually conferred to him by the end of last year in absentia,” Deputy Foreign Minister of Georgia, Vladimer Konstantinidi said. He noted that Mr. Borhy was awarded for his efforts and contribution to popularization of Georgian culture and language not only in Hungary, but throughout entire Europe. 

Hungarian Ambassador to Georgia, Anna Sikó hailed Georgia as “a very good friend,” stressing that Hungary supports Georgia’s independence, as well as its EU and NATO integration aspirations. Ambassador Sikóexpressed hope that the two universities would further expand bilateral cooperation in the future. 

The 19th century illustrations for the Georgian medieval poem The Knight of the Panther’s Skin by Hungarian artist Mihaly Zichy were exhibited on the sideline of the event. 

Since 2019, TSU offers its students the Hungarian language and culture course led by Dr. Árpád Éles. In 2019, nine students showed interest towards the course with the number gradually increasing to 40 in the current semester.