Mattias Kruse, Deputy Chief of Mission at the German Embassy in Qatar, met with Centre Director Dr. Salah Eddin Elzein and a number of the centre's researchers on 7 February 2012 to learn about the centre's activities, research agenda, objectives and structure. Mr. Kruse acknowledged the centre's contribution and further efforts toward improving political awareness and knowledge in the Arab region, and agreed to promote relations between the centre's and its German counterparts.