The Bahrain Center for Strategic, International and Energy Studies (Derasat) today signed a joint cooperation agreement with Assilah International Cultural Forum of the Kingdom of Morocco on the sidelines of the 40th edition of the Forum.

 

The agreement was signed by HE Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Chairman of the Board of Trustees from the “Derasat” side and HE Mohamed Benaissa, former Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Secretary General of Assilah Forum Foundation.

 

The agreement provides for enhancing bilateral cooperation in the areas of common interest, organizing of events and activities and exchanging of experiences, consultations and publications.

 

Under the agreement, the two sides will also work jointly to promote development and regional peace and stability.

 

Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, briefed Mr. Mohamed Benaissa on the role and activities of the Center and its various publications, as well as its vision and mission at the local and international levels.

 

Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Derasat, said that this agreement comes to further strengthen the brotherly relations between the two sisterly kingdoms and that it is part of a series of memorandums of understanding and cooperation agreements signed with a number of international forums and Arab think tanks and research centers. The aim of these agreements is to open up new horizons for cooperation and contribute to the efforts to improve performance, build capacity and train staff in accordance with the highest standards of quality and efficiency.

 

The Chairman of the Board of Trustees praised the important and constructive role of the Assilah Cultural Forum in investing in culture and arts, noting its high international standing. He added that a comprehensive framework was discussed with the Moroccan side to strengthen cooperation in various fields such as the role of culture in combating extremism and terrorism, promoting dialogue of civilizations and cooperating on issues related to energy and development.

 

Dr. Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa stressed the significant role of intellectual and strategic forums in promoting human thought and reaching a deeper understanding of challenges. He pointed out that the annual Derasat Forum is becoming an important platform and regional event to discuss the region’s pressing issues and exchange views to come up with inspiring visions based on moderation, sustainable development and rule of law, in line with the comprehensive reform scheme being implemented under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.

 

The Chairman of the Board of Trustees stressed that development of the human element remains to be a Derasat strategic objective, and it is quite important to come up with creative initiatives and ideas that enhance the belonging to the homeland, preserve its identity and shield it against extremism and violence.

 

For his part, HE Mohamed Binaissa, Secretary General of Assilah Cultural Foundation, expressed his admiration for the good work of the “Derasat” Center and the remarkable growth and progress it achieved both in terms of research and restructuring. He said that he was pleased with cooperating with Derasat in areas of mutual interest, noting that the Center has become a strategic and influential research institution and a beacon of enlightenment inside and outside Bahrain.