Islamabad: The Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) and the Center for Scientific and Analytical Information (CSAI) at the Institute of Oriental Studies, Russian Academy of Sciences, have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to foster academic and research collaboration.

According to Press Information Department, the MoU was signed virtually today by Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, Director General of ISSI, and Prof. Dr. Nikolay Plotnikov, Head of CSAI, marking the commencement of a collaborative relationship between the two institutions. The event was attended by key figures from both sides, including Dr. Neelum Nigar, Director of the Centre for Strategic Perspectives at ISSI, and Mr. Alexey Marinin, Senior Researcher representing the Russian team.

During the ceremony, Ambassador Mahmood highlighted the MoU as a significant milestone in the partnership aimed at deepening academic and research cooperation. He emphasized the critical role of such platforms in understanding the evolving dynamics of international relations and their impact on the global order. Mahmood also noted the importance of Pakistan’s relationship with Russia, referencing ongoing cooperation across multiple domains such as economy, energy, security, and culture.

Prof. Dr. Plotnikov expressed confidence that the collaboration would open new avenues for joint research and dialogue, considering the broad range of themes CSAI explores from the Middle East to Japan. Dr. Nigar emphasized the historic significance of this MoU, marking it as the first formal agreement between ISSI and a Russian research institute, and expressed optimism for future joint projects and idea exchanges.

The partnership aims to include the exchange of researchers and data, joint events and programs, and the initiation of research projects, reinforcing the intellectual contributions of both communities to regional and global understanding.