TRENDS Research & Advisory began its research tour in Belgium with a discussion session with the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Royal Institute for International Relations «Egmont». The session focused on exploring prospects for cooperation and strategic partnership between TRENDS and Belgian think tanks, academic institutions, and universities, with the aim of exchanging knowledge and expertise and collaborating in organizing joint research and scientific events.

The discussion highlighted opportunities to establish long-term cooperation between Belgian research institutions and TRENDS through joint studies and academic exchange. It also addressed Belgium’s strategic priorities in the Gulf region and explored how TRENDS’ regional and international expertise can support policymaking, foster mutual understanding, and advance diplomatic efforts. The ultimate aim is to help activate platforms for constructive dialogue between experts and academics from both the European Union and the Gulf region.

Participants in the session, held at the headquarters of the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, discussed ways to strengthen strategic cooperation between TRENDS and Belgian think tanks in the fields of research and academia. The session featured the participation of Ms. Valerie Cuvelier, Advisor for Gulf Countries at the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Mr. Pol De Witte, Director General of the Egmont Institute; along with a group of experts and researchers from TRENDS.

Effective Strategic Partnerships

Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS Research & Advisory, affirmed the Center’s commitment to strengthening its international presence through effective strategic partnerships. He noted that this is in line with TRENDS’ broader efforts to open new horizons of cooperation with European research and academic institutions, particularly Belgian think tanks, by launching joint research initiatives, scientific and training programs, and organizing international conferences and intellectual panel discussions. These efforts, he added, play a vital role in deepening mutual understanding and building sustainable frameworks for long-term cooperation.

Dr. Al-Ali noted that participants in the discussion emphasized the importance of effective partnership between research institutions and think tanks in the Middle East and North Africa and their European and Belgian counterparts. The aim, he explained, is to promote constructive dialogue and bridge perspectives on regional and global issues through research and studies that analyze and anticipate the future of current developments.

Active Think Tanks

Ms. Valerie Cuvelier affirmed that Belgian academic and research institutions place high importance on fostering constructive cooperation with leading and active think tanks around the world. She highlighted TRENDS as a key player in building bridges of communication between societies and in facilitating dialogue among policymakers, experts, and researchers on pressing global issues.

Cuvelier added that there are many promising opportunities for collaboration between Belgian institutions and TRENDS, particularly through joint research projects in key areas such as advanced technologies, artificial intelligence, economics, and sustainable development, which are hared priorities for both the European Union and the Gulf Cooperation Council.

A Platform for Strategic Dialogue

Pol De Witte noted that the Royal Institute for International Relations (Egmont) seeks to deepen European understanding of the Gulf’s economic and developmental directions and benefit from them. He stressed that collaboration and partnership with TRENDS facilitates mutual understanding and convergence of perspectives, as TRENDS has become a leading platform for fostering strategic dialogue.

He added that TRENDS brings a wealth of accumulated expertise and a deep strategic vision that can help shape more effective policies to address shared challenges. He emphasized the importance of organizing joint workshops and dialogue sessions between experts and officials to develop meaningful analyses and practical solutions to today’s pressing issues.

Joint Training Programs

Pol De Witte also explained that the Egmont Institute is open to collaboration with TRENDS across all fields, particularly in the training programs offered by the TRENDS International Training Center. He expressed interest in developing joint training initiatives in international relations and diplomacy, and welcomed future partnerships aimed at training and equipping young researchers to conduct strategic research and in-depth studies on key topics such as economic security, renewable energy, and future foresight.