Astana, Kazakhstan – On 21 August 2024, the Director General of the Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS), Ambassador Berik Aryn, held a meeting with the Chairman of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Kazakhstan, Supreme Mufti Nauryzbai kazhy Taganuly. The fruitful discussion underscored a shared commitment to enhancing cooperation and advancing key initiatives aimed at promoting food security and humanitarian aid.
During the meeting, Supreme Mufti Nauryzbai kazhy Taganuly expressed his profound appreciation for Ambassador Aryn’s unwavering dedication to both his role and to religious causes. The Mufti highlighted that Ambassador Aryn’s distinguished career, including his latest position as the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, has been closely intertwined with religious and humanitarian efforts. His ongoing support has been invaluable to the Muftiat, and the Mufti conveyed his gratitude for the Ambassador’s steadfast commitment to the welfare of the Muslim ummah.
Looking to the future, the Mufti emphasized the importance of continued collaboration and expressed optimism about furthering joint efforts. He acknowledged the alignment of the IOFS’s current initiatives with the broader goals of the Muslim community, thus paving the way for enhanced cooperation.
In response, Ambassador Aryn thanked the Mufti for his kind words and introduced three pivotal programs of the IOFS, including Food Banking, which aims to improve access to nutritious food for vulnerable populations; OIC Halal, Healthy & Safe Food Ecosystem, focused on ensuring food safety standards and promoting healthy eating practices; and Food Waste Management, addressing the critical issue of waste in food systems to promote sustainability.
Ambassador Aryn also raised the urgent Gaza appeal, emphasizing the IOFS’s steadfast commitment to delivering aid to Gaza with the support of its Member States. He called upon the Supreme Mufti of Kazakhstan to support this vital humanitarian initiative, highlighting the collective responsibility of both public and private sectors in addressing this crisis. The Ambassador encouraged private organizations to join in the humanitarian appeal, underscoring the need for a united effort to provide relief to those in dire need.
The Supreme Mufti wholeheartedly supported the IOFS’s initiatives and projects, emphasizing the significance of these programs in addressing global and regional challenges. He reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the IOFS’s efforts and fostering collaboration to support communities in need.
