The Deputy Minister of Education and Science of Georgia, Nunu Mitskevichi opened the international scientific conference "Caucasus Gate - Northern Gate of Georgia", which was dedicated to the current problems of the past and modernity of Kazbegi Municipality (historic gorge, Truso).

In her speech, Nunu Mitskevichi noted that it is important for academic circles and the interested public to be objectively acquainted with the ethno-cultural and historical processes in the region from ancient times to the present day. According to the deputy minister, supporting the ongoing processes and solutions to the existing problems in the border regions of Georgia is a priority of the Ministry. Shota Rustaveli Georgian National Science Foundation is announcing several grant projects in this direction.

The conference was held within the framework of the winning project of the competition for the support of scientific research projects in the border regions of Georgia and the international scientific events announced by the Foundation. The leading organization of the scientific project is TSU Ivane Javakhishvili Institute of History and Ethnology, partner organizations: Georgian National Agency for Cultural Heritage Preservation, Georgian National Museum, Center for Humanitarian Studies.

The conference was attended by researchers in various fields of Caucasology and Kartvelology from recognized scientific and educational centres in Georgia and abroad. The participants were welcomed by the Rector of Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University, Giorgi Sharvashidze, the Director of the Ivane Javakhishvili Institute of History and Ethnology, Giorgi Cheishvili and the General Director of the Shota Rustaveli Georgian National Science Foundation, Jaba Samushia.

The purpose of the grant competition for the support of scientific research projects and international scientific events studying the border regions of Georgia is to develop research studies in the border regions of Georgia, bring them closer to international standards, study new ideas, events and facts - disseminate research results.