The Institute of Strategic Studies (ISSI) of Pakistan and its Jordanian counterpart, Arab Thought Forum (ATF) signed an agreement on Wednesday to promote co-operation in mutual exchange of information and improve research and academic programmes.
The ATF was established in 1981 by Prince Hassan bin Talal, who is also its current president.
ISSI Director General Dr Shireen M. Mazari and ATF Secretary General Dr Wissam Al-Zahawie signed the agreement.
The agreement would facilitate both the ISSI and the ATF to improve the scientific and academic level of the two premier institutes, and also enhance the friendship and the mutual understanding between the peoples of the two countries.
Under the agreement, the two institutes will conclude programme agreements in order to provide for specific co-operation and exchange projects in particular fields of mutual interest.
Within the framework of this agreement, the ISSI and the ATF may also co-operate in activities of other institutes with the purpose of realising projects in the promotion of social, economic and culture development of their respective countries.
Dr Wissam said besides Arab countries, his Institute also encourages dialogue with other regional countries, and hoped that the agreement with the ISSI would work as a bridge to the ATF to reach out other South Asian countries.
Dr Mazari welcomed the signing of agreement with the ATE, and hoped that exchange of experts and scholars would promote understanding not only with Jordan but also other Arab countries.
The ISSI already has signed similar agreements with some 20 countries around the globe.