Georgian Estate in Leuville held an expanded meeting of the governing board

The Georgian Estate in Leuville held an expanded Governing Board meeting, chaired by Maia Bitadze, the Minister of Culture and Head of the Governing Board. According to the Ministry of Culture, the session addressed key issues regarding the rehabilitation, management, development, and future operations of the Leuville Estate. The Governing Board operates as a consultative body tasked with deliberating on matters concerning the development and functioning of the estate and participating in relevant decision-making processes.

Opening the session, Maia Bitadze emphasised the crucial role of the Governing Board in ensuring the effective management and development of the Leuville Estate following its handover to Georgia.

“The Leuville Estate is a place of exceptional historical and national importance. Consequently, our responsibility does not end with its physical restoration. It is essential that, within the framework of this Governing Board, we formulate a clear vision for the Estate’s future operations and ensure its sustainable development. Today, we stand at a vital milestone in this process. Together with the board members, we have reviewed the works completed so far, assessed the current state of affairs, and addressed key matters related to the Estate’s future functions,” stated Maia Bitadze.

A presentation detailing the restoration works undertaken at the Georgian Estate in Leuville was delivered during the meeting. Alexandre Diehl, the project’s legal counsel in France, presented a legal assessment regarding the fulfilment of state obligations set out in the deed of transfer. Members of the Governing Board subsequently toured the grounds of the estate to inspect the completed works on site. Board members Irène Tsitsichvili and Thierry Berichvili, representing the families who signed the notary act transferring the Leuville Estate to Georgia, alongside board member Giorgi Rurua, a descendant and representative of the family of Samson Pirtskhalava, shared their perspectives and offered recommendations on specific aspects of the restoration.

The meeting was attended by board members Maia Bitadze, Minister of Culture and Head of the Governing Board; Mikheil Kiknadze, First Deputy Minister of Culture; Giorgi Kakauridze, First Deputy Minister of Finance; Nino Enukidze, First Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development; Irakli Shengelia, Chairman of the LEPL National Agency of State Property; Irène Tsitsichvili and Thierry Berichvili, representatives of the families signing the deed of transfer; Asinet Kalatozishvili, representative of the Georgian diaspora in France; Shorena Tsitsagi, Head of the International Relations Division at the Ministry of Culture; Giorgi Rurua, descendant and representative of Samson Pirtskhalava’s family; and Mariam Gordadze, Secretary to the Governing Board.

The session was also attended by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Georgia to the French Republic and Permanent Delegate to UNESCO, Irakli Kurashvili, alongside the Mayor of Leuville-sur-Orge, Éric Braive. The completion of the rehabilitation works at the Georgian Estate in Leuville will be officially celebrated on 26 September.