TRENDS Research & Advisory hosted His Excellency Octavian Bogdan Badica, the Ambassador of Romania to the United Arab Emirates, for a panel discussion exploring ways to enhance research and knowledge cooperation between think tanks in the UAE and their counterparts in Romania.

Opening the session, Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS, welcomed His Excellency the Romanian Ambassador and expressed his aspiration to deepen collaboration with Romanian research institutions and think tanks. He emphasized the importance of building international partnerships aimed at the exchange of expertise and knowledge.

His Excellency Ambassador Octavian Bogdan Badica expressed his thanks and appreciation for TRENDS’ research and intellectual contributions, noting that he personally follows the center’s publications and knowledge productions, which he described as an essential reference for researchers and specialists. He added that TRENDS has, through its global efforts and high-quality publications, become a prominent research platform and a trusted reference in its field.

His Excellency the Ambassador underlined the pivotal role of research centers in disseminating accurate knowledge and providing objective analysis, saying: “Diplomats need in-depth knowledge and objective analysis more than anyone else.” He affirmed that knowledge is the cornerstone of effective diplomacy.

His Excellency also highlighted the importance of building bridges of research cooperation between think tanks, noting that strong international relations depend on such knowledge-based connections.

Ambassador Octavian Bogdan Badica further underscored the need for the younger generation in Europe to understand the modern history of the Arab and Gulf region and to learn about the remarkable development and transformation it has witnessed. He emphasized that research centers play a vital role in presenting this realistic and inspiring picture.

During the session, the Ambassador offered a brief overview of Romania’s cultural and economic landscape and discussed several international issues of mutual interest. He praised TRENDS as a leading think tank, describing it as “an informed window of knowledge” that enriches strategic thought and analysis.

The event concluded with an open dialogue in which His Excellency the Ambassador engaged directly with TRENDS researchers and experts, answering their questions on bilateral relations and future cooperation prospects. The exchange added depth to the discussion and helped shape shared insights.