Beijing, Dr. Hamad Ebrahim Al Abdulla, Executive Director of the Bahrain Centre for Strategic, International and Energy Studies (Derasat), attended the inaugural meeting of the China-Arab Think Tank Association, held on 26-27 September 2024 in Shanghai, China. The event was organised by the China-Arab Reform and Development Studies Centre, aiming to strengthen collaboration among think tanks from Arab nations and China. The opening remarks were delivered by Deng Li, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China. Dr. Mohammed Ghassan Mohammed Adnan Sheikho, Bahrain's Ambassador to China, also attended the meeting alongside high-level officials, including representatives from the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Chinese Ministry of Education, the Shanghai Municipal Government, and members of the General Secretariat of the League of Arab States. Discussions focused on enhancing cooperation and shared development goals between China and the Arab world. In his remarks, Dr. Al Abdull a emphasised the pivotal role that think tanks play in fostering mutual understanding and facilitating dialogue between nations. He stated, "This meeting represents a vital opportunity to deepen the ties between our regions. By sharing insights and experiences, we can work towards collaborative solutions that benefit both the Arab world and China." Dr. Al Abdulla also highlighted the strength of bilateral relations between Bahrain and China, noting that these ties have deepened significantly over the years. "The cooperation between our two nations has been built on a solid foundation of mutual respect and shared interests. The collaborative work between Derasat Centre and Chinese think tanks has facilitated the exchange of knowledge and best practices essential for addressing regional and global challenges. By continuing to strengthen these connections, we can harness our collective expertise to foster sustainable development and innovation," he remarked. The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to advancing research and dialogue, paving the way for stronger partnerships between China and the Arab world in various research-related fields. Source: Bahrain News Agency