IOFS CONDUCTED FURTHER BILATERAL MEETINGS IN TUNIS

IOFS Director General HE Yerlan Baidaulet proceeded on 3rd day of the visit with important visits to Tunisian reputable institutions of agricultural research - the National Research Institute of Rural Engineering, Water and Forests (INRGREF) and the National Institute of Agricultural Research of Tunisia (INRAT).

Meeting provided a resourceful presentation concerning the latest advanced research programs and activities implemented by institutions. IOFS Director General expressed willingness to establish joint research projects for the benefit of member countries, particularly in the field of water resource management, improvement and conservation of animal and plant genetics resources, as well as fighting transboundary diseases, which are considered flagship programs of IOFS to improve the food security and agricultural development within OIC member states.

IOFS Director General additionally held a meeting with Minister of the Environment, HE Mrs. Leila Chikhaoui. Parties discussed the role of the environment sector in terms of conservation and improvement of genetic resources to ensure a safe sustainable food. Also the meeting allowed to discuss Tunisia's next participation at the 27th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 27) to the UNFCCC which will take place in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, November 2022, as well the way to coordinate the participation of the IOFS and Tunisia in this global event.

To conclude the day, IOFS Director General was received by the Head of Government HE Mrs. Najla Bouden. During the meeting, IOFS Director General presented a brief overview of the IOFS main mission and expressed the warmest gratitude to the Republic of Tunisia for its continued support of the various programs of the organization. HE Yerlan Baidaulet also informed about the outcomes of the various meetings and discussions with senior Tunisian officials, which focused on the current global food crisis and the solutions proposed by the IOFS to face this major challenge. From her side, H.E. the Head of Government noted that Tunisia is determined to provide its support for the IOFS to enable it to achieve its noble mission, by putting its expertise and competence at the disposal of the IOFS to benefit from its experience in the field of agricultural development and the improvement of food security indicators within the Islamic countries.