The moderator of the second panel discussion at the international conference “Orbeli Forum 2025”, organized on November 4, 2025, by the “Orbeli” Analytical Center of the Public Relations and Information Center of the RA Prime Minister’s Office, was Gohar Iskandaryan, Director of the Institute of Oriental Studies of the NAS RA.

The discussion focused on “Perspectives on Interregional Cooperation”, aiming to highlight opportunities for the development of economic and communication links between Asia, the Middle East, and Europe within the context of the South Caucasus’ bridging role in interregional connectivity.

Key directions of the discussion included:

• Deepening regional economic cooperation
• Prospects for the development of new communication and transport routes
• Assessing the strategic intermediary role of the South Caucasus

Participants in the discussion included:

• Sergey Minasyan (Armenia)
• Harshit Sharma (India)
• Armina Arm (Iran)
• Abdulaziz AlShehհi (United Arab Emirates)

It should be noted that the collaboration between the Institute of Oriental Studies of NAS RA and the Public Relations and Information Center of the RA Prime Minister’s Office began with a Memorandum of Cooperation signed on February 17, 2025, which laid the foundation for the development of scientific, analytical, and expert cooperation between the parties.

Within the framework of the conference, Araks Pashayan, Head of the International Relations Department of the Institute, held a private meeting on behalf of the Institute with Abdulaziz AlShehհi, Vice President for Scientific Affairs at the TRENDS Research and Advisory Center (UAE) and an expert in international relations. During the meeting, the parties discussed potential formats for cooperation between the Institute of Oriental Studies and the TRENDS Center, as well as perspectives for the development of scientific and diplomatic relations between Armenia and the United Arab Emirates.