On
October 8, 2024, a representative delegation from the University of Naples,
Italy, headed by Rector Professor Matteo Lorito, visited Sokhumi State University. As part of this visit, His Excellency
Massimiliano D'Antuono, the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of
Italy to Georgia, arrived at Sokhumi State University.
The
event began with the national anthems of Italy and Georgia. The Rector of Sokhumi
State University, Professor Zurab Khonelidze, welcomed the attendees and noted
that the jointly planned for this day activities with the University of Naples
are another step forward for our university in achieving success on the
international stage.
It
is known, that the State University of Naples Federico II was founded on June
5, 1224 and is the first state university in the world. UniNa, with over 90,000
students and numerous historic university buildings, is one of the largest and
most influential universities in Europe, celebrating its 800th anniversary this
year.
Through
the efforts of the rector of Sokhumi State University, Professor Zurab
Khonelidze, the foundation for cooperation with the State University of Naples
was laid. This was confirmed by the conclusion of the memorandum of
cooperation, confirmed by the signatures of the rectors of Sokhumi State
University and the State University of Naples - Professors Zurab Khonelidze and
Matteo Lorito.
- The
reason we are gathered here today is of great significance: we are engaging in
meaningful collaboration. This all began during Professor Zurab Khonelidze's
visit to our university, where we were introduced to his vision of university
diplomacy, which captivated us. The University of Naples, being the first state
university in the world, has established connections with institutions across
all continents. We are eager to deepen our relationships with Georgia,
particularly with Sokhumi State University. I want to emphasize that access to
education should be universal. The university environment should foster
aspirations for peace, freedom, diplomacy, and a brighter future for the
nation. Zurab Khonelidze's vision of university diplomacy resonates with our
own, and our university is committed to actively supporting the development of
Sokhumi State University. This support is vital for the Georgian people, and I
believe we have today signed a very important memorandum. I am confident that
the University of Naples will play a significant role in restoring Georgian-Abkhaz
relations,” stated Professor Matteo Lorito, Rector of the University of Naples.
In
his address, the Ambassador of Italy highlighted that his country acknowledges
Georgia's territorial integrity and supports Professor Zurab Khonelidze's
innovative concept of university diplomacy. He expressed his approval of the
memorandum of cooperation signed between the universities, stating:
-
It is
a tremendous honor to be at Sokhumi State University on such a significant day.
This year marks the 800th anniversary of the University of Naples, and it is
crucial that the memorandum signed today allows the University of Naples to
serve as the official representative of Sokhumi State University. This is a
unique and positive agreement that will help advance the restoration of
Georgia's territorial integrity among other tasks.
The
Rector of Sokhumi State University thanked the esteemed guests for their warm
hospitality and congratulated the Ambassador of Italy, the Rector of the
University of Naples, and other members of the delegation on this milestone
anniversary. He expressed hope that the newly signed memorandum would enhance
educational, scientific, and friendly connections between our institutions:
-
The
collaboration on the concept of university diplomacy shared by the Rector of
the University of Naples and embraced by the entire academic community has been
welcomed by the university. We believe that universities should not only impart
knowledge but also promote peace, freedom, and diplomacy. Both universities are
eager to pursue joint projects and foster these ideals through student and
staff exchanges. The long-standing partnership and friendship that began years
ago have been strengthened today with the signing of this memorandum. The
University of Naples will act as the official representative of Sokhumi State
University both in Europe and with all partner universities and organizations
worldwide, while Rector Matteo Lorito will serve as our university’s ambassador
in the international academic space - remarked Professor Zurab Khonelidze.
The
remarkable event at Sokhumi State University was the result of efforts by
Rector Professor Zurab Khonelidze, Head of the Department of International
Relations and Intercultural Communications, Professor Indira Dzagania, and the
leaders of the Italo-Georgian Educational Center "Minerva."
Following
the signing of the memorandum, Professor Matteo Lorito, Rector of the
University of Naples Federico II and an associate researcher at the CNR
Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection, was awarded the title of Honorary
Doctor of Sokhumi State University. This honor recognized his significant
contributions in the study of plant pathology, in fostering peaceful relations between
Georgia-Italy and Georgia-EU, and supporting the new peacekeeping mission of Sokhumi
State University. Professor Zurab Khonelidze presented him with the honorary
robe and the university's medal, “Sokhumeli.”
Today's
event also highlighted the invaluable support of the friends of Sokhumi State
University, particularly General Giovanni Giacomo Antonio, President of the
Italo-Georgian Educational Center "Minerva," and his wife Maia Jijava,
Vice President of the center. They received an certificate of honor from Sokhumi
State University for their exceptional contributions to the development of
Italian cultural and educational ties and the promotion of Sokhumi State
University's peacekeeping mission in Italy.
In
return, Rector Matteo Lorito presented Sokhumi State University’s Rector with
the highest university honor—a silver coin commemorating Federico II, specially
minted for the 800th anniversary of the University of Naples.
After
the award ceremony, Rector Matteo Lorito delivered a presentation on his work
and introduced the audience to an Italian novel on Georgian-Italian literary
connections.
The
event was attended by representatives from the Italian Embassy in Georgia,
Deputy Minister of Education, Science, and Youth Giorgi Jincharadze, Chairman
of the Supreme Council of the Autonomous Republic of Abkhazia Jemal Gamakharia,
as well as parliament members, academicians, administrative staff, and students.
The artistic part of the event was organized by the student folk ensembles of
Sokhumi State University.
