His Excellency Afzaal Mahmood Mirza Sultan Mahmood, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to the UAE, has commended the activities of TRENDS Research and Advisory, the level of its publications, and its efforts to spread the notions of tolerance and peace.

The comments were made when Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS Research and Advisory, received the His Excellency the Ambassador at the Center's headquarters in Abu Dhabi.

The Ambassador stressed the importance of scientific research in exploring the progress and future prospects of countries. He also welcomed the idea of cooperation between TRENDS and Pakistani think tanks, praising his country’s close relations with the United Arab Emirates in various fields.

For his part, Dr. Al-Ali welcomed the Ambassador and gave him a presentation on the research and intellectual activities of TRENDS and the services it provides related to analysis of many world issues in a way that supports decision-makers, researchers and academics.

During the meeting, discussions were held on potential cooperation between TRENDS and think tanks and research centers in Pakistan, and the possibility of nominating experts and research centers from Pakistan to present research papers on important issues concerning the region.

In an interview with TRENDS researchers, the Ambassador presented his country’s viewpoint on a number of issues, such as the return of the Taliban to power in Afghanistan after the US withdrawal, the impact of this development on the region, and upcoming challenges for Pakistan within the context of its international relations.

During the meeting, which was also attended by Dr. Fatouh Haikal, Head of the Scientific Research Sector, Mr. Fahad Al-Mahri, Head of the Global Barometer Department, Mr. Sultan Al-Ali, Deputy Head of the Scientific Research Sector, Ms. Reem Al-Ubaidy, Head of Strategic Communication Department, Researcher Mohammad Salim Al-Salmi, and Researcher Abdullah Khalifa bin Matraf, Dr. Al-Ali stressed TRENDS’ keenness to strengthen research cooperation with Pakistani intellectual centers.

Al-Ali also indicated that this keenness to cooperate is in line with TRENDS’ new slogan “From Foreseeing to Participation in Building the Future”, and falls within the framework of its quest to build effective research and scientific partnerships with various research institutions in the region and the world in order to achieve its goals in service of decision-makers and promoting a culture of scientific research. At the end of the meeting, Al-Ali presented a commemorative shield to the Ambassador in appreciation of his visit. Al-Ali also presented the Ambassador with a set of the Center’s books and other publications.