At a meeting of the Foreign Relations Committee, the draft law “On Amendments to the Law of Georgia on Diplomatic Service” was discussed in the II reading. The Government’s legislative initiative was presented by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Khatuna Totladze.

According to the draft law, a “Legal Entity of Public Law – Diplomatic Academy” will be established. The Academy will be granted 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.

According to the presenter, the establishment and operation of the Diplomatic Academy will contribute to the preparation of qualified personnel for the diplomatic service, as well as for the public and private sectors.

The draft law also changes the procedure for granting 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 presented draft law, amendments will also be introduced to the Law of Georgia on Higher Education, according to which the current law will include a definition of the term “Legal Entity of Public Law – Diplomatic Academy”.

The Diplomatic Academy will fall under the category of state-established higher educational institutions.