1-German journalist-author Prof. Dr. Peter Scholl-Latour.
2-South Korean Ambassador Sun-Yong Kang and First Secretary Jongho Choi
The ambassador explained to Mr Abdulaziz Sager about the importance of the GCC States for South Korea as it imports almost all its energy requirements from the region and two thirds of gas from Qatar. Trade balance favors the GCC countries, he said, adding that Korea is increasingly concerned about Islam and Arab culture. He commended the establishment of GRC as an independent research center, which “constitutes a window to the region for outsiders”. It was agreed that a group of Korean academics will visit GRC and hold discussions in May on ways to establish a joint venture.
Delegation from Al-Anjal schools, Saudi Arabia, visited GRC to know more about research, its prospects and the link between curricula and the labor market.
Professor Werner Weidenfeld, Mr Josef Janning and Christian Hanelt Bertelsmann of the Bertelsmann Foundation, Germany. The Bertelsmann Foundation, a German-based think-tank and internationally operating, non-grant-giving foundation, is exploring means of co-operation with GRC by building a joint international relations program on European affairs.
Elan Fabbri, program officer of Middle East and North Africa at the International Republican Institute, Washington - Ms Fabbri expressed her willingness to initiate joint initiatives between GRC and the International Republican Institute.
Air Marshal (Rtd.) Syed Quaiser Hussain, ambassador, Pakistan embassy, UAE; Mr. Amanullah Larik, Consul-General; and Mr. Fayyaz Hussain Chaudhry, counselor.
Professor Olivier de la Grandville, Department of Economics, University of Geneva, Prof. Grandville pointed out that in the 21st century the Gulf region is moving ahead faster than Europe. Given the infrastructure available at GRC, the Geneva-based academic expresses interest in exploring the possibilities of cooperation between the University of Geneva and GRC. He also encouraged the idea of having more students from the region study in Switzerland.
