Astana, Kazakhstan - 19 September 2024 – Today, His Excellency Ambassador Berik Aryn, Director General of the Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS), met with Dr. Jaber Al-Tamimi, Chargé d'Affaires of the Embassy of the Republic of Iraq to Kazakhstan. The meeting highlighted the ongoing collaboration between IOFS and Iraq, focusing on key areas such as humanitarian efforts, agricultural development, and climate change mitigation.
Discussions began with a focus on the severe impact of climate change on Iraq's agricultural sector, particularly issues related to water scarcity and drought. The IOFS reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Iraq with tailored capacity-building programs that include training, workshops, and knowledge-sharing activities to improve sustainable agricultural practices and enhance the country's resilience.
The meeting also reviewed Iraq's active participation in IOFS's Wheat Breeding Program and the upcoming OIC Strategic Commodity Development initiative for rice. These initiatives aim to improve Iraq’s agricultural productivity, enhance food security, and strengthen collaboration with other OIC member states. In addition, Kazakhstan’s offer to export livestock and meat to Iraq, as well as the establishment of an Animal Selection Center, was discussed as a significant step forward for Iraq's livestock sector.
The discussions then turned to IOFS’s recent humanitarian initiatives, including the Flour for Humanity program, which provided substantial aid to Afghanistan and Gaza. The IOFS encouraged Iraq’s involvement in these efforts, with the potential for the country to contribute to future humanitarian activities.
In closing, both sides expressed their readiness to continue working together to tackle the pressing challenges faced by Iraq's agricultural sector and ensure long-term food security for the region.
