ISLAMABAD, SEP 30 /DNA/ – The Institute of Strategic Studies, Islamabad (ISSI) and the South Asia Sustainability and Security Research Institute (SASSRI), Sri Lanka, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Tuesday. The agreement aims to strengthen institutional cooperation in research, policy dialogue, and joint publications between the two nations.

The newly signed MoU was part of ISSI’s international outreach for developing cooperative institutional mechanisms, especially with regional partners. It aims to develop and strengthen mutual institutional cooperation in research, policy dialogue, joint publications, and events on issues of mutual interest.

Besides the leadership of ISSI and SASSRI, the ceremony was attended by Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Colombo H.E. Major General Dr. Nayyar Naseer, HI (M), and Deputy High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in Islamabad Mr. A. Christy Ruban.

Focus on Regional Cooperation and SAARC Revival

The participants shed light on the history of fraternal relations between Pakistan and Sri Lanka from diplomatic and defense to cultural and humanitarian spheres. They agreed that for a prosperous and connected South Asia, regional countries needed to come closer and strengthen mutual ties through continued engagement, dialogue, and active cooperation. Stressing the role of regional cooperation in collective development in South Asia, the need for revival of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) was particularly emphasized.

This renewed focus on Pakistan Sri Lanka research ties highlights the shared commitment to regional stability and prosperity.

Key Attendees and Future Collaboration

Under the MoU, concrete steps such as joint events, policy papers, and researcher exchange programmes were suggested. Leadership of the two think tanks expressed determination to jointly work for shaping better policy discourses and well-informed public opinions in the two countries.

The event underscores the growing importance of Pakistan Sri Lanka research ties in fostering a collaborative environment for addressing regional challenges.