Parliament, in the III reading and under an expedited procedure, supported the draft law on Diplomatic Service.

The government`s legislative initiative was presented by Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Khatuna Totladze.

According to the draft law, a Legal Entity of Public Law – Academy of Diplomacy will be established. The institution will obtain the status of a higher educational institution operating under the governance of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Georgia and will offer bachelor`s and master`s degree programs, as well as a one-year professional development course.

As the presenter said, the establishment and operation of the Academy of Diplomacy 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 on Higher Education, according to which the current law will include a definition of the term "Legal Entity of Public Law – Academy of Diplomacy".

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