RA ESCS Ministry and Ghent University in the Kingdom of Belgium have signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the implementation of Armenian Studies courses. The document was signed remotely.

The memorandum was signed by Tigran Balayan, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Armenia to the Kingdom of Belgium, and Petra De Sutter, Rector of Ghent University.

Under the memorandum, courses on Armenian culture and history will be offered at Ghent University. Workshops, seminars, and thematic research days will also be organized, and educational modules will be developed within existing courses. In addition, public outreach events related to Armenian Studies will be held.

To promote the advancement and global reach of Armenian Studies, the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport of Armenia cooperates with leading universities worldwide, providing funding for the teaching and study of Armenian language, literature, history, and culture, as well as for the organization and implementation of research projects.

Currently, with funding from the RA ESCS Ministry, Armenian Studies courses and academic and research activities are conducted at Armenian Studies centres 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, Argentina’s Kennedy University and National University of Rosario, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Democritus University of Thrace, and Cairo University, among others.

The number of participating universities grows each year, expanding the geographical reach of cooperation and ensuring the continued development of Armenian Studies education and research. Strengthening cooperation among Armenian Studies centres and raising the profile of Armenian Studies within international academic circles are considered key priorities of state policy.

Recognizing the importance of effective Armenian Studies centres and broader international cooperation, the Ministry continues to support their development, fostering new educational and research initiatives, the exchange of academic expertise, and the sustainability of Armenian Studies worldwide.