The Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington acknowledges with great sadness the passing of Ambassador Frank G. Wisner, who died February 24 from complications related to lung cancer. Ambassador Wisner was AGSIW’s founding board chair and was serving as board chair emeritus at the time of this death. His vision and leadership were critical to AGSIW’s development as an organization and its fulfillment of its mission. Ambassador Wisner understood early on the immense influence the Gulf states would exercise globally, even as they experienced rapid change and development. And as board chair, he helped AGSIW communicate that importance to key American stakeholders, in government, media, academia, and the business world. For Ambassador Wisner, the United States’ relations with the Gulf states and the broader region were a critical arena for the exercise of U.S. global power in the late 20th and early 21st century. He viewed it as a field of opportunity, cooperation, and shared interests.

We at AGSIW were privileged to work with Ambassador Wisner over this sustained period. A titan in international diplomacy, in person he was inclusive, encouraging, and appreciative. He understood the importance of institutions like AGSIW and the influence they could have when they were allowed and encouraged to mature and develop.

Ambassador Wisner’s imprint on AGSIW represents an enduring legacy. We mourn his passing and are immensely grateful for the steady, visionary leadership he provided in our founding decade. In the coming days we will offer a fuller tribute to Ambassador Wisner for his impact on the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington.