SDPI, RASANAH Inks MoU For Cooperation In Research

Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) Friday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with a leading think tank RASANAH based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to establish and facilitate mutual cooperation in research and advisory initiatives

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 18th Jan, 2019 ) :Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) Friday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with a leading think tank RASANAH based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to establish and facilitate mutual cooperation in research and advisory initiatives.

Executive Director, SDPI Dr Abid Qaiyum Suleri and Dr Muhammad S. Alsulami, Chairman, RASANAH, Riyadh, on behalf of their respective organizations signed the MoU.

Under the MoU, both organizations agreed to develop joint research projects, conduct studies and exchange technical and scientific research techniques in addition to their published reports and studies, said a press release issued here.

Speaking at the occasion, Executive Director, SDPI Dr. Abid Suleri said that focusing and collaborating with a Saudi Think Tank was mainly due to having long-lasting relations between two nations.

He said both countries have historic, religious and cultural ties. Both think tanks (RASANAH and SDPI), could conduct joint research on issues of mutual interest including climate change, trade, and regional cooperation.

He said Pakistan could also learn from Saudi water conservation strategies, as Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) had turned their deserts into green lands.

Pakistan should export skilled human resources to KSA, as KSA was on way of becoming a service-based economy and they want more Information Technology (IT) and computer literate human resources, he added.

Chairman, RASANAH Dr. Alsulami said his think tank was a relatively new institute in the Kingdom which was established around three and half years ago.

He said the institute focuses on regional issues with special focus on Iranian Affairs and the developments taking place in the south and central Asia.

The institute also covers issues pertaining to climate change, economy, energy and sustainable development.

He said, "RASNAH means depth in Arabic and understanding and reaching out through communications in Persian." "Through this sort of collaboration, we wish to further connect to Pakistani people and enhance people to people relations between the two countries," he remarked.

RASANAH (International Institute of Iranian Studies) is a Saudi Arabia based independent research and studies institute is specialized in regional affairs.

RASANAH was ranked top in Saudi Arabia and 10th in the middle East and NorthAfrica region and 28th as Best Regional Studies Centre by 2017 Global Go To ThinkTank Index Report.