Manama, Mar. 30 (BNA): The Bahrain Center for Strategic, International and Energy Studies (Derasat) received a delegation from Germany’s Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) to discuss building upon the long-standing relations between both research entities.
The KAS delegation met with Director of Communications and Knowledge Management Shaikha Nayla bint Ali Al Khalifa, Director of Opinion Polls and Surveys Ejlal Isa Bubshait, and representatives of the Research and Studies Directorate.
Discussions of areas of promising mutual research included increasing women’s contributions and representation in quality research.
The KAS delegation was led by Dr. Gerhard Wahlers, Deputy Secretary General and Head of the European and International Cooperation Division.
It comprised Fabian Blumberg, KAS Representative to the Gulf States; Lucas Lamberty, Advisor in the KAS Executive Office; and Dr. Mohammad Yaghi, Program Manager and Research Fellow for the KAS Gulf States Regional Program.
“International cooperation between research organizations has increased in value over recent years and Derasat continues to build on its partnerships with regional and global Think Tanks in its efforts to expand its network and introduce initiatives of added value,” Shaikha Nayla said.
“There are several macro and micro research issues, fueled by accelerating global developments, that increasingly align research objectives between Derasat and KAS, which we look forward to collaborate on.”
Dr. Wahlers conveyed KAS’ wishes for further collaboration on regional issues of mutual interest and global implications and welcomed a visit from the Center this year to its main headquarters in Berlin.
Bubshait expressed the aspiration to further benefit from KAS’ surveying methods and polling field work.
“More sophisticated and inclusive opinion polling methods are necessary to present effective scientific analysis to policy makers and public opinion,” she said.
The Derasat team gave a presentation on the Center’s current research map, paving the way for imminent proposals on more research on the issues that are most needed.