H.E. Saeed Khatibzadeh, Deputy Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran and President of the Institute for Political and International Studies in Tehran, emphasized the importance of dialogue among think tanks and research centers for its pivotal role in enhancing mutual understanding among the peoples and societies of the region and in building bridges of communication and shared insight.
He made these remarks during a dialogue session organized by TRENDS Research & Advisory at its headquarters in Abu Dhabi, which hosted the Deputy Foreign Minister of Iran, in the presence of H.E. Reza Amiri, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Arab Emirates.
Khatibzadeh discussed the foundations of Iran’s foreign policy, explaining that it is built on two key considerations: the first is the geostrategic dimension, shaped by each country’s geographical, cultural, and political context; and the second is the regional and international environment and its evolving dynamics. He noted that Iran’s unique strategic location has long made it a vital crossroads and historic trade route linking East and West. It is also the only country that borders both the Caspian Sea to the north and the Arabian Gulf to the south, giving it oversight of some of the world’s most significant oil production and export corridors.
He also addressed current regional developments, underscoring the need to prioritize dialogue and constructive cooperation in addressing challenges. He affirmed that Iran remains open to engagement with regional and global powers, while noting that the first administration of U.S. President Donald Trump withdrew from the 2015 nuclear agreement.
Khatibzadeh further highlighted Iran’s rich history spanning more than three millennia, its deep cultural heritage, and its longstanding reciprocal relationships with neighboring countries that have helped shape the region’s historical and civilizational trajectory.
The session, attended by Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS Research & Advisory, along with several researchers and experts, explored ways to strengthen scientific and research cooperation between TRENDS and Iran’s Institute for Political and International Studies. Discussions focused on knowledge exchange and joint publications between the two centers.
During the dialogue, H.E. Saeed Khatibzadeh reaffirmed his country’s commitment to expanding research collaboration with leading regional think tanks, particularly TRENDS, praising “the center’s outstanding efforts in studying international and regional issues through a rigorous scientific lens that supports decision-making and promotes cultural and intellectual dialogue among nations.”
At the outset of the session, Dr. Al-Ali welcomed the Deputy Foreign Minister and his accompanying delegation, emphasizing that the current global stage, marked by crises and rapid transformations, calls for deeper research and analytical cooperation among prominent think tanks. Such collaboration, he noted, contributes to foresight-driven analysis and the development of shared perspectives that strengthen security, stability, and growth.
Dr. Al-Ali also highlighted that TRENDS places special emphasis on fostering partnerships with regional and international think tanks to enrich intellectual discussions, build bridges of knowledge, and promote a culture of scientific dialogue. He stressed that cooperation between the two centers would facilitate the exchange of expertise, launch joint research projects, and advance studies on regional and global issues.
The meeting concluded with both sides underscoring the importance of continued coordination and intellectual partnership to enhance dialogue and advance future-oriented collaborative research initiatives.
