On May 8, 2022 Director General of Islamic Organisation for Food Security HE Yerlan A. Baidaulet commenced an official visit to Tehran, Iran. On the first day, Director General was received by the Deputy Minister of Industry, Mining and Trade and President of the Trade Promotion Organization (TPO) of Iran, HE Mr. Alireza Peyman-Pak.
During the meeting Iranian Deputy Minister and IOFS Director General discussed key areas for collaboration on issues of mutual interest, particularly trading opportunities of non-oil commodities such as food products, plant nutrients and fertilizers, agricultural machinery and farm mechanization equipment.
IOFS Director General highlighted that Iran as an immense country is one of the major geopolitical players within OIC geography is on strategic intersection between North-South and South-South dimensions that paves way to a key point of transit and trade for the MiddleEast, the Persian Gulf, Central Asia and other OIC countries. HE Mr. Alireza Peyman-Pak encouraged further direct talks between bodies, underscoring the TPO commitment to expand information sharing and boost trade and economic cooperation among OIC countries for efficient and robust agricultural investment and trade. Parties during this visit agreed to sign a Memorandum of Understanding that aims to strengthen a mutual partnership.
In addition, IOFS Director General met with Acting Minister of Food supply security (FSS) HE Mr. Mohsen Kazemeini who mentioned that FSS Headquarter was established year ago under the Ministry of Agricultural Jahad to bring together food trade and commerce stakeholders. Its key objectives is to aid and stimulate investment, trade industry, agriculture, and other priority sectors to promote food chains and logistics, provide consultative and advisory services on domestic production and food imports.
HE Yerlan A. Baidaulet conveyed appreciation for the warm welcome and the opportunity to introduce IOFS’s activities and provided a brief overview of IOFS Strategic Framework under the IOFS Vision 2031 emphasizing IOFS humanitarian programs, Afghanistan Food Security Programme and “2022 IOFS Year of Africa” implementation plan. Other points included discussion of nomination of a focal point from the Ministry to allow for the information exchange and work flow between two sides, furthermore parties expressed mutual commitment to strengthen bilateral cooperation.
