A joint meeting of the governing bodies of Tbilisi State University (TSU) and the Georgian Technical University — including the Academic Councils, Senates, deans and professors — was held to discuss the planned merger of the two universities, the Tbilisi State University said in a statement.

According to the university, participants agreed that, given the importance of the issue, it would be appropriate to hold a meeting with representatives of the Ministry of Education, Science and Youth of Georgia.

It was noted that faculty governing bodies will also discuss the matter and present a consolidated position to the TSU Academic Council and Senate.

TSU Rector, Academician Jaba Samushia, said recent developments have demonstrated the need to continue dialogue within the academic community and to reconcile the positions of the university community on the issue.

Following the joint session of the Academic Council and Senate, the rector also met with students to discuss the merger, the statement said.