The Bahrain Center for Strategic, International and Energy Studies (Derasat) signed a research and scientific cooperation agreement with the Tunisian Institute for Strategic Studies (ITES) at the institute’s headquarters in Tunis.
The agreement was signed by HE Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Chairman of the Board of Trustees from the “Derasat” side and the Director General Dr. Naji Jaloul on behalf of the Tunisian Institute.
The agreement provides for enhancing mutual cooperation in the fields of academic and strategic research, organizing of events and activities and exchanging of knowledge, experiences, information, consultations, publications, etc., as well as supporting training programs.
Under the agreement, the two sides will also cooperate in carrying out joint strategic projects, particularly in respect of issues related to the promotion of regional peace and stability.
Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa briefed Dr. Naji Jaloul on the work and activities of Derasat Center and its various publications. He outlined the vision for achieving its objectives, adding that the Center aims to launch constructive initiatives and carry out strategic studies and opinion polls, as well as monitoring and evaluating challenges and developments. It strives to build a comprehensive strategic security framework that meets the requirements of sustainable security and development, and the prevalence of peace and moderation.
Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Derasat expressed his pleasure with the singing of the cooperation agreement with the Tunisian Institute for Strategic Studies. He said that this agreement comes as part of a series of memorandums of understanding and cooperation agreements with several prestigious Arab think tanks. The aim of the agreements is to develop strategies that are capable of addressing security challenges, establish productive partnerships and invest in people with a view to help improve performance and capacity building in accordance with the highest quality and excellence standards.
He praised the constructive role and valuable contributions of the Tunisian Institute for Strategic Studies and expressed his optimism for the cooperation between the two institutions, considering the strong brotherly relations between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Republic of Tunisia that continue to grow under the guidance of the wise leaderships of the two brotherly countries.
Dr. Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa emphasized the importance of the strengthening of research and scientific cooperation between Arab countries, exchanging of ideas and visions, encouraging cooperation between experts and officials, launching joint initiatives in order to raise the quality and reliability of scientific research, disseminate knowledge and enhance research capabilities in the area of policy making.
Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, said that Derasat Center is working on several parallel tracks to implement and keep in line with the principles of the reform scheme of His Majesty the King and Bahrain Economic Vision 2030 and contribute to combatting the threats of extremism and terrorism. He added that Derasat Center is now one of the five most influential think tank centers in the Middle East.
For his part, Dr. Naji Jaloul welcomed the visit of Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Derasat Center, to Tunisia and the signing of a framework agreement for joint cooperation which will open new wide horizons for cooperation in areas of mutual interest and thus further cement the strong relations between the two countries. He expressed his admiration for the good work and important role of the Bahrain Center for Strategic, International and Energy Studies “Derasat” as a pioneering and distinguished research institution, noting that the Center is witnessing major developments in terms of research and management. He also praised the Center’s efforts in serving the society and the causes of peace.