Astana, Kazakhstan – On 19 December 2024, the Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS) had the distinct honor of welcoming H.E. Umaro Mokhtar Sissoco Embaló, President of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau, to its headquarters in Astana. This visit marks a historic milestone, being the first by a head of state from one of the IOFS Member States, underscoring the growing relevance of the organization in advancing food security and agricultural development within the OIC region.
Prior to his visit to the IOFS headquarters, on 18 December 2024, President Embaló met with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan for official talks at the Akorda Presidential Palace in Astana. The two Presidents discussed key areas of bilateral cooperation, including the potential for strengthening transport and logistics links, and the important role of the Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS) in addressing global food security challenges. President Tokayev highlighted the significance of fully tapping into IOFS’s potential, which was initiated by Kazakhstan in 2011, particularly in the field of agricultural cooperation, emphasizing Kazakhstan’s large capacity to export grain crops to Guinea-Bissau.
The welcoming remarks by H.E. Ambassador Berik Aryn, Director General of IOFS, highlighted the significance of this visit, noting that it is a testament to the strong commitment between IOFS and Guinea-Bissau in the shared pursuit of food security, agricultural development, and economic prosperity within the Africa Food Security Initiative framework. Ambassador Aryn expressed his gratitude to Guinea-Bissau for its longstanding support of the organization, acknowledging that the country was among the first to sign the IOFS Statute, and expressing hopes for the prompt ratification of the Statute by Guinea-Bissau.
"The Islamic Organization for Food Security, initiated by the Republic of Kazakhstan in 2011, continues to work towards addressing food security challenges, promoting agricultural and rural development, and empowering OIC Member States," said Ambassador Aryn. "Guinea-Bissau’s leadership in promoting unity and inclusivity resonates deeply with the values we uphold at IOFS."
During the visit, the President of Guinea-Bissau and the IOFS leadership discussed key areas of collaboration, particularly in agriculture, where both parties expressed a desire to expand cooperation. Ambassador Aryn emphasized IOFS's commitment to extending its expertise, resources, and programs to support Guinea-Bissau’s agricultural growth and self-sufficiency.
In his remarks, President Embaló emphasized the importance of collaboration with IOFS in the context of consultations held a day before with the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development of the Republic of Guinea Bissau, H.E. Dr. Fatumata Djau Baldeto, particularly on agricultural development and food security initiatives.
The visit concluded with a reaffirmation of the shared commitment to achieving the noble goals of food security, sustainability, and prosperity for all OIC Member States. The visit of President Embaló serves as a foundation for further strengthening the bonds of friendship and cooperation between Guinea-Bissau and the Islamic Organization for Food Security, paving the way for impactful and long-lasting solutions to the challenges facing the region.
