Astana, Kazakhstan – On 16 May 2024, H.E. Ambassador Berik Aryn, the Director General of the Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS), delivered a presentation on the status of the Organization’s initiatives at the First Meeting of the Secretaries of Security Councils of Central Asia.
During the presentation, that had a particular emphasis on Central Asia, Ambassador Aryn explained how IOFS is working towards improving food security across the geography of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). The key initiatives discussed included the development of agri-food systems, state food security management, and the provision of humanitarian aid to support regions in need.
Within the priority avenues for cooperation between IOFS and Central Asian countries, the Director General, firstly, invited those countries yet to join the Organization to do so as fully-fledged Member States to ensure strengthened coordination. Additionally, he suggested the creation of genetic banks for preserving regional genetic resources, the establishment of the IOFS Fund to support agricultural investment and market stability, and the development of model support centers to share best practices in agriculture and water management.
It is worth mentioning that the First Meeting of the Secretaries of Security Councils of Central Asia is aimed at creating a platform for regional cooperation to address both external and internal challenges and develop necessary response measures to enhance regional stability and security.
