TRENDS Research & Advisory hosted a high-level delegation from Türkiye’s Foundation for Political, Economic, and Social Research (SETA) for a discussion session at its headquarters. Mr. Ahmed Salama, the Chief Economic Advisor of the UAE Embassy in Türkiye, also attended.
The discussion centered on enhancing joint research cooperation and exchanging views on regional and international issues of mutual interest. The SETA delegation consisted of Prof. Murat Yeşiltaş, Director of Foreign Policy Research; Mustafa Caner, Editor-in-Chief; Kriter, Bilgehan Öztürk, Expert in Foreign and Security Policy; and Murat Aslan, Senior Analyst, Military Studies.
The session began with both sides presenting their expertise, vision, and areas of work. The discussions then focused on the importance of academic and research collaboration between TRENDS, SETA, and other Turkish think tanks. Both parties emphasized the need for fostering communication to exchange experiences and insights on key regional and global issues, including current regional developments, geopolitical challenges, and ways to enhance stability and economic cooperation.
The meeting also highlighted the pivotal role of TRENDS’ virtual office in Istanbul, which serves as a platform for strengthening research partnerships and facilitating communication with Turkish academic institutions and think tanks. This initiative is a crucial step in supporting scientific dialogue and exchanging ideas.
Dr. Mohammed Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS Research & Advisory, stressed the center’s belief in collaboration and knowledge-sharing with prestigious research institutions such as SETA. He noted that this dialogue opens new horizons for cooperation in critical research areas and expressed his aspiration to build a long-term strategic partnership. Such a partnership would contribute to conducting high-quality joint research, organizing joint events and symposia, and publishing the findings to benefit global research, scholars, and the public amidst the region’s increasing challenges.
Dr. Al-Ali also highlighted the need to intensify joint research efforts to gain a deeper understanding of these challenges and propose innovative and effective solutions. He underscored that academic collaboration is a powerful tool for building bridges of understanding and fostering constructive dialogue between different cultures, ultimately making the region more stable and prosperous.
Prof. Murat Yeşiltaş commended TRENDS for its significant role in providing in-depth analyses of critical strategic issues, praising the quality and depth of its publications. He noted the immense potential for expanding research cooperation between SETA and TRENDS in energy, economics, politics, and developments in the Middle East and North Africa. He emphasized that such collaboration would serve the region’s interests by offering valuable insights and enriching public discourse on key issues.
The discussion concluded with both parties reaffirming the importance of continued research meetings and mutual visits to strengthen academic and knowledge ties. They also agreed to develop joint research projects to address current challenges and devise innovative and effective strategies to tackle them.
During the meeting, Prof. Murat Yeşiltaş, Director of Foreign Policy Research at SETA, was awarded the TRENDS Research Medal for advancing research and supporting TRENDS’ knowledge initiatives.
