Chairman of the Government of Ajara Meets with Batumi State Maritime Academy Faculty and International Exchange Winners

The Chairman of the Government of the Autonomous Republic of Ajara, Zurab Pataradze, held a series of meetings with professors, faculty, administration members, and academic researchers of the Batumi State Maritime Academy (BSMA), as well as with students who won slots in the international student exchange program.

The Chairman emphasized that the Batumi State Maritime Academy stands as one of the region's leading educational institutions, having trained generations of highly qualified professionals. He noted the critical role the Academy plays in positioning Georgia as a premier transit hub within the Black Sea region. The Chairman reaffirmed that the government will continue providing scholarships, funding master's degrees, and supporting scientific conferences for high-achieving students.

"This institution is training not only future seafarers but also future leaders in maritime logistics and port management, which is vital for the expansion of our ports. The sea symbolizes the strength, tradition, and future of our region. Therefore, our goal is to establish all necessary conditions for our youth to receive top-tier education locally, ensuring they remain globally competitive," stated Zurab Pataradze.

During the dialogue with the academic staff, participants discussed avenues to deepen international cooperation, expand faculty exchange programs, and adapt to digital advancements in the sector. The Chairman assured the faculty that the government remains committed to supporting educators, upgrading the learning environment, and elevating the overall quality of maritime education.

Zurab Pataradze also met with the student winners of the international exchange program to congratulate them on their success. Funded through an initiative by the Ministry of Education, Culture and Sport of Ajara, 30 students recently completed a semester abroad at partner institutions in Croatia, Bulgaria, and Latvia. To date, this program has financed international studies for 108 BSMA students, with an additional 30 students slated for funding this year. The session concluded with an interactive discussion where the students shared their experiences, impressions, and feedback on the program, while expressing gratitude to the Chairman for the opportunity.

The meetings were also attended by Maia Khajishvili, Minister of Education, Culture and Sport of Ajara; Murtaz Devadze, Rector of the Batumi State Maritime Academy; Ivane Abashidze, Head of the Maritime Transport Agency; and members of the Supreme Council of Ajara.