The Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) and Casa Asia have formalized a new partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), aiming to deepen collaboration between Pakistan and Spain in academic, research, and think tank spheres. The agreement is poised to enhance mutual understanding and facilitate joint initiatives, marking a significant step in strengthening bilateral and institutional ties.
The MoU was officially signed by Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, Director General of ISSI, and Mr José Pintor, Director General of Casa Asia. The ceremony was attended by Ambassador José Antonio de Ory, Spain’s Ambassador to Pakistan, alongside senior representatives from both institutions, underlining the importance of the partnership at the diplomatic and institutional level.
As part of the agreement, both organizations have committed to organizing joint events, notably the “Pakistan-Spain Forum.” This initiative is expected to provide a dedicated platform to discuss areas of mutual interest and foster connectivity in diverse fields such as culture, arts, literature, and investment.
During the signing ceremony, Ambassador Sohail Mahmood acknowledged Casa Asia’s lead role in promoting intercultural dialogue and knowledge exchange, highlighting their efforts as instrumental in forging new institutional relationships. He pointed to the broad spectrum of subjects for collaboration, including an examination of Pakistan-Spain relations as well as wider engagement on global issues such as the evolving world order, Europe’s role, and future security architectures. Ambassador Mahmood reiterated ISSI’s commitment to building intellectual and institutional connections that lead to tangible outcomes.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr José Pintor termed the MoU a significant milestone and stressed the necessity of focusing on practical, result-oriented cooperation. He expressed appreciation for the support provided by both embassies and underscored the aim to increase knowledge about Pakistan in Spain while deepening the bilateral relationship.
Ambassador José Antonio de Ory also welcomed the agreement, reaffirming the strong political and social bonds shared by Pakistan and Spain. He noted the significant potential to enhance cooperation further, particularly in cultural and economic spheres, and commended both ISSI and Casa Asia for advancing new avenues of engagement.
Overall, the MoU reflects a joint aspiration to strengthen people-to-people contacts, foster academic and research exchanges, and broaden the scope of bilateral collaboration not just between Pakistan and Spain, but also with Europe as a whole.
