New partnership between FEPS and the Institute for Political and International Studies of the Islamic Republic of Iran

Recognising the immense importance of encouraging and sustaining the newly found impetus in the cooperation between the European Union and the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Foundation for European Progressive Studies (FEPS) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Institute for Political and International Studies (IPIS) of Iran.

The signing ceremony of the Memorandum took place during the visit to Tehran on 8-9 March 2016 of Mr. Massimo D’ Alema, President of FEPS, who underlined the great significance FEPS attaches to providing an intellectual bridge between European and Iran people. Mr. D’ Alema also stressed that, as the main progressive foundation at European level, FEPS can constitute a very important vehicle towards aiding our shared understanding of the opportunities and of the challenges that lie ahead, as well as of the ways that these challenges can be jointly dealt with, for a stronger and more honest relationship between Iran and the European Union.

The Memorandum of Understanding between FEPS and IPIS, which has a duration of 4 years, marks a very important point in the international engagement of FEPS, as it establishes a multi-faceted strategic partnership between the two foundations. The document foresees regular exchanges of experts and researchers, mutual research programs and assistance, and exchanges of publications, all aimed at improving scientific and academic interactions, and promoting the friendship and the mutual understanding between the people the European Union and the Islamic Republic of Iran.