Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Bahrain Center for Strategic, International and Energy Studies (Derasat) His Excellency Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa today received the President of the International Peace Institute (IPI) Mr. Terje Rod Larsen, and the Institute’s Regional Director Mr. Najib Freiji.
The meeting reviewed programs and projects aimed at promoting the culture of peace and coexistence in light of the challenges facing the Middle East region, as well as discussing joint cooperation in exchanging expertise and publications, conducting research and scientific studies and supporting training programs.
Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa briefed Mr. Larsen on recent key activities, events, and publications by the Derasat Center and praised the work and efforts of the International Peace Institute in promoting peace and resolution of conflicts to help maintain security and stability.
The Chairman of the Board of Trustees said that Derasat has extensive relations and cooperation agreements with many respected think tanks, research centers and international expertise houses to support its goals and objectives as one of the leading think tanks in the region. He said that the Center strives to launch focused initiatives as part of its comprehensive strategic approach towards security and current challenges to contribute to peace and development efforts.
Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa pointed out that Derasat Center had recently led a successful initiative that brought together a number think tanks and research centers to launch a declaration entitled “Thought at the Service of Peace and Development” to promote peace, sustainable development, moderation and tolerance.
The Chairman of the Board of Trustees stressed that the Kingdom of Bahrain, under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa, attaches great importance to scientific research as a foundation for development and a pillar of the future, in keeping in line with the objectives if Bahrain Economic Vision 2030 of investing in people.
For his part, Mr. Terje Rod Larsen praised the important role and valuable contributions of the Derasat Center as a respected leading research institution. He said he was looking forward to enhance cooperation and partnership between Derasat and IPI to open new areas of cooperation in research and the dissemination of peace culture.