TRENDS Research & Advisory, through its office in Russia, has signed two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with the Valdai Discussion Club and the International Organization for Eurasian Cooperation (IOEC).

The agreements establish stronger joint research cooperation and active partnerships in economic studies, while also promoting the exchange of academic and scientific expertise. They provide for collaboration on research projects, specialized consulting and training, and the organization of international conferences and symposiums. The MoUs were signed during TRENDS’ research tour in Russia.

These partnerships put into practice TRENDS’ vision of advancing international research cooperation and building bridges of knowledge with leading think tanks, research centers, and universities worldwide. In doing so, they support global dialogue and expand academic and policy engagement in future foresight and strategic studies.

Innovative Research Projects

Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS Research & Advisory, said the agreements with the Valdai Discussion Club and IOEC establish a broad framework for bilateral cooperation on innovative research projects addressing key regional and international issues. They also enable knowledge sharing and long-term collaboration in organizing conferences and forums that bring together experts and analysts from both sides.

He stressed that the new partnerships reaffirm TRENDS’ commitment to building robust global knowledge networks capable of promoting a culture of research and shaping the future through knowledge. According to Dr. Al-Ali, they will help integrate diverse research and academic perspectives to advance scientific inquiry and generate practical insights into shared global challenges – all in support of a more stable, secure, and peaceful future.

Understanding Global Developments

Andrey Bystritskiy, Chairman of the Valdai Discussion Club, underlined the strategic importance of partnering with TRENDS, describing it as one of the Middle East’s most respected and influential think tanks.

“We at the Valdai Discussion Club are delighted with this important cooperation. It will contribute to a more accurate and objective understanding of the fast-moving developments across the Middle East, Asia, Eurasia, and the wider world, while broadening the scope of meaningful intellectual dialogue among researchers and experts.”

He added that the partnership will allow both sides to undertake in-depth joint research and exchange views on the most pressing geopolitical and economic issues in today’s multipolar world.

A Sustainable Strategic Partnership

Dmitry Stasyulis, President of the International Organization for Eurasian Cooperation, welcomed the agreement with TRENDS as a foundation for active collaboration across many areas of common interest — including economic research and reports, opinion polling, consulting, and foresight studies.

He explained that the MoU marks the beginning of a sustainable strategic partnership centered on economic studies, regional integration, and innovative research projects that can enhance cooperation and promote sustainable development across Eurasia and the Middle East.

Stasyulis emphasized that constructive economic and intellectual dialogue is essential to bridging divides and creating new opportunities for societies and peoples alike.