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The Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports of the Republic of Armenia and Belgium’s Ghent University have signed a memorandum of understanding on the implementation of Armenian studies courses.
The memorandum was signed by Armenia’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Belgium, Tigran Balayan, and Ghent University Rector Petra De Sutter.
According to the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports, the memorandum provides for courses on Armenian culture and history to be offered at Ghent University, as well as workshops, seminars and thematic academic days. Educational modules will also be developed as part of existing courses, and public outreach events related to Armenian studies will be organized.
“The Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports, with the aim of promoting the spread and development of Armenian studies worldwide, cooperates with leading universities around the world, funding the teaching and study of Armenian studies subjects, including the Armenian language, literature, history and culture, as well as the organization and implementation of research projects,” the ministry said in a statement.
Currently, with funding from the Armenian ministry, courses and academic and research activities are carried out at Armenian studies centers and departments at 14 leading universities in 11 countries. These include Sapienza University of Rome, Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, the University of Salzburg, Complutense University of Madrid, Kennedy University and the National University of Rosario in Argentina, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Democritus University of Thrace, and Cairo University, among others.
The number of universities involved increases each year, expanding the geographical scope of cooperation and ensuring the continued development of Armenian studies education and research. Strengthening cooperation among Armenian studies centers and increasing the visibility of Armenian studies in international academic circles are considered key priorities of state policy.
The statement also emphasizes that, recognizing the importance of the effective operation of Armenian studies centers and the expansion of international cooperation, the ministry continues to support their development, helping implement new educational and research initiatives, facilitate the exchange of academic expertise, and ensure the sustainability of Armenian studies.