Georgian Ambassador Visits CREES

Highlighting the deep interest in the politics, society and history of the Caucasus at the University of Birmingham and the strong links between the Centre for Russian and East European Studies (CREES) and the diplomatic community, CREES hosted Georgia's Ambassador to the United Kingdom and Ireland Giorgi Badridze on Wednesday 21 November 2012. During his visit Ambassador met with Michael Sheppard, Provost and Vice Principal and Cillian Ryan, Jean Monnet Chair in European Economics, Dean of Liberal Arts & Sciences. The meeting was also attended by Ms Irine Dakhundaridze, Counsellor at the Georgian Embassy in London, Tim Haughton , Director of CREES, Galina Yemelianova from CREES and Nino Kemoklidze , PhD Researcher in CREES. Professor Cillian Ryan and Tim Haughton also hosted lunch in honour of the Ambassador. After lunch the Ambassador was given a tour of the Barber Institute of Fine Arts by its Acting Director and Head of Collections and Learning Mr Robert Wenley. During the tour the Ambassador was shown the special collection of ancient Georgian coins held at the Barber Institute. The Ambassador was visiting the University of Birmingham to take part in the CREES 50th Anniversary Seminar Series 'Why do Caucasian Studies Matter?'.