Science Diplomacy as an Important Tool for International Scientific Collaborations Development in MENA Countries

One of the goals of science diplomacy is to create a sound basis for increasing international scientific cooperation. The regional challenges specific to the countries of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), their cultural and historical commonalities contribute to the development of international collaborations in the region. The aim of the study is to describe the infrastructure formed by science diplomacy in the region, expressed in initiatives, organizational structures, joint projects and activities, and to quantify research collaborations in the region and with countries outside the region. The authors have visually presented the main actors of science diplomacy, the directions of their activities and their interrelationships creating a visual system of science diplomacy structure in the region. Our model of science diplomacy in the MENA countries also reflects significant developments in the field of science diplomacy in the region. The results of the publication activity analysis show that numerous science diplomacy projects appear to be having an effect, expressed in terms of an increasing level of scientific collaboration. Saudi Arabia is the main nucleus of these efforts in the region, with Egypt also playing a significant role. However, S&T cooperation with third countries is still a priority for countries in the region. A number of countries are poorly involved in the processes of regional scientific integration due to historical, institutional and political peculiarities. Morocco's science sector, which is quite active and largely self-reliant, stands somewhat apart.