MoU inked to facilitate research, dialogue

Islamabad:Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) has formalised an institutional relationship with Tashkent- based International Institute for Central Asia (IICA), in by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to facilitate research and dialogue on a range of subjects.

The MoU was signed by Sohail Mahmood, Director-General, ISSI, and Javlon Vakhabov, Managing Director, IICA, for their respective sides. Speaking on the occasion, Mr Sohail highlighted Pakistan's approach towards Central Asia, encapsulated in the "Vision Central Asia," with key pillars of political/diplomatic, trade and investment, energy and connectivity, security and defence and people-to-people links. He lauded the steady progress being made in bilateral relations as reflected in the establishment of strategic partnership and signing of landmark transit trade and preferential trade agreements.

He also noted that Pakistan provided the shortest land access from Central Asia to the sea-ports of Karachi and Gwadar. Among major connectivity initiatives, he alluded to the Trans-Afghan Railway Project. He also underlined the importance of establishing synergy between CPEC and other regional initiatives. Along with hard (physical) connectivity, Mr Sohail emphasised the imperative of soft connectivity through people-to-people exchanges, particularly in the tourism, education, and research.

Mr Vakhabov informed that IICA, established in 2021, focuses on good neighbourhood policy and conducts research on immediate neighbourhood and ways for deepening regional relationships. He highlighted that IICA research priorities include political developments, security, trade, investment, regional connectivity, climate change and environmental protection, cultural heritage and outreach with Central Asian states that includes Azerbaijan.

He said with ISSI, the aim is to collaborate on convergent areas and build a partnership through expert consultations on regional connectivity. He also highlighted the mutual benefits of connecting Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan to ports with vast markets in Central Asia and South Asia.