ISLAMABAD – A cooperation agreement has been signed between Valdai Discussion Club (VDC) and the Islamabad Policy Research Institute (IPRI) to further deepen academic and expert-level ties between Russia and Pakistan.
The agreement underscores organizations’ commitment to strengthening their collaboration on global political and economic issues. The signing ceremony was attended by Andrey Bystritskiy, Chairman of the Board of the Valdai Discussion Club, and Raza Muhammad, President of IPRI.
The new partnership is designed to foster a more robust academic exchange between Russia and Pakistan, with a focus on conducting joint research, organizing international forums and conferences, and promoting the objective assessment of global political and economic trends. By sharing expertise and resources, the agreement aims to create a platform for developing practical solutions to strengthen bilateral ties between the two countries’ governments and societies.
Sharing his views at the signing, Bystritskiy highlighted the importance of expanding intellectual dialogue to address the pressing challenges facing the international community. “This agreement will not only facilitate a deeper understanding of key global issues but also contribute to the strengthening of the relationship between Russia and Pakistan,” he said.
Raza Muhammad of IPRI emphasized the role of think tanks in shaping policy and fostering collaboration between nations. “Through this partnership, we aim to bring together the expertise of both our countries to generate meaningful insights and solutions to regional and global challenges,” he remarked.
The Valdai Discussion Club, established in 2004 and named after the picturesque Lake Valdai near Veliky Novgorod, is renowned for its intellectual influence and international network. Over 9,000 scholars, policymakers, and global leaders have participated in its discussions over the years, contributing to its reputation as a leading platform for strategic dialogue.
Founded in 1999, IPRI has long been a key player in Pakistan’s policy research community, focusing on strategic and national issues of importance. In recent years, IPRI has reoriented its research agenda to align more closely with the policy needs of Pakistan’s government and broader regional concerns.
This new agreement marks a key moment in the growing cooperation between Russia and Pakistan, with both institutions committed to advancing a mutually beneficial agenda in the fields of policy analysis, academic research, and international dialogue.
