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International Institute of Strategic Studies signs up with GBCORP Tower Manama to be regional headquarters for global think tank
 
Manama, Bahrain, xx  October 2009: HE Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al-Khalifa, Foreign Minister of Bahrain and Dr John Chipman CMG, Director General and CEO of the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), headquartered in London, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding that facilitates and supports the establishment of an IISS-Middle East office in Manama. The office will be located at the GBCORP Tower which is in the heart of Bahrain’s Financial District.  The GBCORP Tower has seen tremendous interest from global companies who are looking to be part of this most prestigious business address in the Kingdom.
 

“The IISS is the world’s leading think tank in its field and a vital facilitator of international diplomacy. The Kingdom of Bahrain is proud that the IISS chose Manama for its regional headquarters and looks forward to an exciting collaboration that will benefit the region,” said HE Shaikh Khalid.
IISS activities in Bahrain will serve to widen global understanding of Middle East perspectives on international issues and also bring to the region the best available analysis of global strategic and geo-economic trends. “The Middle East is vitally important strategically and economically. We are delighted to establish our regional office in Bahrain because of our strong and close ties with the Kingdom, and because of Bahrain’s enlightened leadership on regional and international issues,” said Dr John Chipman.
The office in GBCORP Tower will be the base for the IISS’s many research programmes and activities throughout the region and will serve to connect IISS activities in Europe, North America and Asia with those in the Middle East. The IISS office in Bahrain will work closely with the entire IISS global network to provide not just first class information and analysis on Middle East and broader international strategic issues, but also strengthen links between the strategic community in the Middle East and those in other parts of the world. The other overseas offices of the IISS are in Washington and Singapore.
“We are pleased to welcome IISS to the GBCORP Tower.  It is a matter of pride for GBCORP to be chosen as a location for a globally respected organization whose research and activities have far-reaching impact both regionally and globally.  IISS’ decision to set up their Middle East base in Bahrain and operate out of the GBCORP Tower is a testament to our strategic location and the multi level integrated facilities on offer, which are among the best on the island and at par with international standards. We are sure IISSs operations will benefit greatly from this move. This world class institute will also add new perspectives to our understanding of international relations,” said Mr Abdul Moneim Bastaki, Chief Operating Officer of GBCORP.
Global Banking Corporation B.S.C. (c) (“GBCORP”)
 
Global Banking Corporation B.S.C. (c) (“GBCORP”) is an Islamic investment bank incorporated in the Kingdom of Bahrain in June 2007. GBCORP pursues a dynamic business model, primarily focusing on the core business areas of private equity, real estate and infrastructure development, asset management, advisory services in corporate finance and capital markets and portfolio management services, backed by a management team with a cumulative experience and expertise of more than 30 years in international banking. 
GBCORP’s shareholders and members of the board are prominent personalities, representing the leading business institutions from within the region and bring a wealth of liquidity and sectoral expertise to the organization.
GBCORP’s business strategy is to build on the region’s positive economic outlook, capitalizing on new opportunities to transcend global boundaries and serve as a unique accelerator for investments from within the GCC to markets in the MENA region, Asia and North America.