The DI's Center for Conflict and Humanitarian Studies (CHS) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Peace Research Institute in Oslo (PRIO) yesterday.  Both sides have agreed to collaborate in research, education, and outreach with a particular focus on the Middle East.  CHS aims through this partnership to enhance its capacity as a new specialized center for the study of conflict in the region.

The signing of the agreement occurred on the occasion of the visit to Oslo by the Foreign Minister of Qatar, HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, who attended a closed roundtable discussion on the Middle East.  The discussion was facilitated by PRIO Director Kristian Berg Harpviken, alongside Sultan Barakat, Director of CHS.  Participants also discussed the possibility of a joint comparative study on Norwegian and Qatari approaches to mediation focusing on lessons learnt, challenges as well as opportunities for future coordinated efforts.