Rome, Italy - During a meeting with Qu Dongyu, Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organizaiton (FAO), Kazakh President H.E. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev underscored the country's dedication to the Islamic Organization for Food Security, as Kazakhstan assumes the chairmanship for the current year.
The Head of State spoke about the priorities of the country as it chairs the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea and the Islamic Organization for Food Security.
President Tokayev urged FAO to promote the development of projects on land reclamation in the Aral basin and water resources management. He also suggested establishing a subregional office of the Organization for Central Asia in Kazakhstan.
The FAO Director-General noted the significant role Kazakhstan plays in ensuring global food security and providing humanitarian assistance not only within the region, but beyond.
During the meeting with the Executive Director of the UN World Food Programme (WFP) Cindy Lou McCain, Tokayev spoke about the measures taken by Kazakhstan to ensure global food security and provide humanitarian assistance through international organizations, including the IOFS and the UN.
In 2023, Kazakhstan provided humanitarian assistance to six countries for $9.2 million. Given the tough humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, Kazakhstan donated $1 million to the Palestinian people and delivered two shipments of humanitarian aid. Financial assistance was also provided to Afghanistan, Türkiye, Pakistan and other countries affected by natural disasters.
The President paid special attention to the situation in Afghanistan. In his opinion, it is extremely important that the international community continues to make efforts to prevent a humanitarian crisis in this country.
According to Tokayev, work is currently underway to create a UN Regional Center for Sustainable Development Goals for Central Asia and Afghanistan in Almaty. The activities of this center will streamline interdepartmental coordination of the UN in Central Asia to strengthen regional peace, security and sustainable development.
To conclude, Kazakhstan's active engagement and leadership under President Tokayev's guidance reaffirms its commitment to the IOFS and its role in addressing global challenges related to food security.
Please find the original version of the article below: https://astanatimes.com/2024/01/president-tokayev-meets-with-un-top-officials-addresses-global-food-security/
