ISLAMABAD: The Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) has solidified its international collaboration through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Malaysia’s Institute of Advanced Islamic Studies (IAIS).
The virtual ceremony, conducted simultaneously in Kuala Lumpur and Islamabad, signifies a significant step in enhancing ties between these distinguished institutions.
Syed Ahsan Raza Shah, the High Commissioner of Pakistan to Malaysia, expressed the importance of the ceremony, highlighting the strong cultural and research connections discussed in recent meetings between the two countries.
Dr. Maszlee bin Malik, Chairman of IAIS and former Malaysian Minister of Education, was recognized as a visionary scholar and a key collaborator in fostering intellectual exchanges.
The ceremony saw the attendance of Director General ISSI Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, High Commissioner of Malaysia to Pakistan Mohammad Azhar Mazlan, and other esteemed guests.
High Commissioner Mazlan emphasized the long-standing ties between Malaysia and Pakistan in defense, economy, and education, noting that the ISSI-IAIS MoU underscores the commitment to enhance institutional collaboration.
The MoU is expected to open avenues for deeper engagement, understanding, and collaboration in research and cultural domains between the two institutions.
Historic Ties Between Pakistan and Malaysia
In his address, DG ISSI Ambassador Sohail Mahmood underscored the historic Pakistan-Malaysia ties, common values, growing economic collaboration, and shared perspectives on regional and international issues.
Ambassador Mahmood highlighted Malaysia’s importance in the context of Pakistan’s ‘Vision East Asia’ policy and its desire for an elevated partnership with ASEAN. He expressed confidence that the MoU would serve as a catalyst for intellectual exchanges, fostering better understanding and cooperation on bilateral, regional, and international issues.
High Commissioner Mazlan and Dr. Maszlee bin Malik congratulated both institutes, emphasizing the potential for further collaboration, especially in education and cultural exchanges. Dr. Malik envisioned the MoU as a starting point for future joint events, research activities, and conferences that would strengthen the bonds between Malaysia and Pakistan.
DG ISSI Ambassador Sohail Mahmood thanked the contributors and stressed the MoU’s crucial importance in reinforcing people-to-people links, research collaborations, and educational exchanges. He extended a warm invitation to Dr. Maszlee bin Malik to visit Pakistan at the earliest opportunity.
