Dr. Hamad Ebrahim Al-Abdulla, Executive Director of the Bahrain Center for Strategic, International and Energy Studies (Derasat), attended the inaugural meeting of the China-Arab Think Tank Association, held on 26 – 27 September 2024 in Shanghai, China. This event was organized by the China-Arab Reform and Development Studies Center and aimed to strengthen collaboration among think tanks from Arab nations and China. The opening remarks were delivered by H. E. Mr. Deng Li, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China.

The meeting was also attended by H. E. Dr. Mohammed Ghassan Mohammed Adnan Sheikho, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Bahrain to the People’s Republic of China, along with high-level officials, including representatives from the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Chinese Ministry of Education, and the Shanghai Municipal Government, as well as members of the General Secretariat of the League of Arab States. These discussions emphasized the importance of fostering bilateral cooperation and shared development goals between China and the Arab World.

In his remarks, Dr. Al-Abdulla highlighted the pivotal role that think tanks play in enhancing mutual understanding and facilitating dialogue between nations. He stated, “This meeting represents a vital opportunity to deepen the ties between our regions. By sharing insights and experiences, we can work towards collaborative solutions that benefit both the Arab World and China”.

Furthermore, Dr. Al-Abdulla emphasized the strength of bilateral ties between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the People’s Republic of China, noting that these relationships have significantly deepened over the years. He remarked, “The cooperation between our two nations has been built on a solid foundation of mutual respect and shared interests. The collaborative work between Derasat Center and Chinese think tanks has been ongoing for some time, facilitating the exchange of knowledge and best practices that are essential for addressing regional and global challenges. By continuing to strengthen these connections, we can harness our collective expertise to foster sustainable development and innovation”.

The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to advancing research and dialogue, paving the way for more robust partnerships between China and the Arab World in various research related fields.