**ISSI and Casa Asia Forge Closer Pakistan-Spain Ties Through Landmark MoU**
The Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) and Casa Asia have entered a new era of cooperation by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at deepening collaboration between Pakistan and Spain, particularly in academia, research, and the think tank community. The agreement is expected to pave the way for joint initiatives and strengthened institutional relationships between the two countries.
The MoU was formally signed by Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, Director General of ISSI, and Mr. José Pintor, Director General of Casa Asia. The ceremony was attended by Spain’s Ambassador to Pakistan, José Antonio de Ory, as well as senior representatives from both organizations, underscoring the importance of this partnership at the highest levels.
A key feature of the agreement is the commitment to organize joint events, notably the launch of a “Pakistan-Spain Forum.” This initiative is designed to facilitate dialogue and foster closer ties on topics of mutual interest, promoting understanding not only of bilateral relations but also of broader issues such as the evolving international order, the role of Europe, and future approaches to security and regional cooperation.
In his remarks, Ambassador Sohail Mahmood praised Casa Asia’s leadership in advancing intercultural dialogue and knowledge exchange. He acknowledged the vital support provided by the embassies of both Pakistan and Spain in bringing the two institutions together and outlined a wide array of joint cooperation possibilities. These include engagement on global and regional developments, alongside a focus on pragmatic collaboration to achieve concrete outcomes.
Mr. José Pintor welcomed the MoU as a significant milestone and highlighted the practical, results-oriented nature of the partnership. He emphasized Pakistan’s importance to Casa Asia and voiced optimism that this collaboration would not only broaden knowledge about Pakistan within Spain but also strengthen overall bilateral relations.
Echoing these sentiments, Ambassador José Antonio de Ory reaffirmed the robust political and social ties between the two countries, noting the considerable potential for enhanced cooperation in culture, arts, literature, and investment. He commended both Casa Asia and the ISSI for their commitment to opening new channels of cooperation and deepening people-to-people contacts.
The MoU signals a shared dedication to fostering mutual understanding, facilitating dialogue, and expanding academic and research exchanges not only between Pakistan and Spain but also within the larger context of Pakistan-Europe relations.
