Astana, Kazakhstan – 18 December 2024 - H.E. Ambassador Berik Aryn, Director General of the Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS), warmly welcomed H.E. Dr. Fatumata Djau Baldé, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development of Guinea-Bissau, to the IOFS Headquarters in Astana on 18 December 2024. The meeting focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation in agriculture and food security.
Ambassador Aryn highlighted Guinea-Bissau's significant agricultural potential and its crucial role in the country’s economy. Both parties discussed key IOFS initiatives, such as agricultural capacity building, Cassava value chain development, and livestock production within the Africa Food Security Initiative. The Director General also invited Guinea Bissau to get more involved with relevant IOFS events, including the upcoming 7th General Assembly expected to be held in late May or mid-June 2025.
Minister Baldé outlined Guinea-Bissau’s needs, including technical assistance. She emphasized the importance of diversifying Guinea-Bissau’s agricultural sector, improving infrastructure, and modernizing its farming practices and irrigation systems.
The two sides decided to establish a Joint Technical Working Group by January 2025 to explore opportunities for collaboration and agree on detailed Joint Plan of Action, particularly in the areas that formed the deliberations at their meeting.
The meeting reaffirmed IOFS’s commitment to supporting Guinea-Bissau’s efforts in achieving sustainable agricultural growth and food security. The partnership aims to strengthen the country’s agricultural sector and improve livelihoods for its people.
