Astana, 9 September 2024 – His Excellency Berik Aryn, Director General of the Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS), was received by His Excellency Murat Nurtleu, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan. During the meeting, Berik Aryn emphasized Kazakhstan’s crucial role in ensuring food security in the Islamic world and strengthening international cooperation. He also expressed his gratitude to the Government of Kazakhstan for its unwavering support for the initiatives of the IOFS.
The meeting addressed prospects for strengthening cooperation between IOFS and Kazakhstan, as well as key initiatives aimed at addressing food security challenges in the Member States of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). The Director General provided an overview of the outcomes of the 12th and 13th IOFS Executive Board meetings, during which strategic developments and the 2024 budget were approved. He also shared the outcomes of the Coordination Meeting between the OIC and United Nations Secretariats, held from July 22-24 in Astana with the direct involvement and support of IOFS. The UN delegation was headed by Assistant Secretary-General K. Khiari, while the OIC delegation was led by Assistant Secretary-General A. Sengendo.
The Director General emphasized the importance of preparing for the upcoming 7th IOFS General Assembly, scheduled for 2025 in Astana, which aims to address global food security issues within OIC Member States.
During the discussion, several important projects developed by the organization, with active participation from Kazakhstan, were reviewed. One of the promising initiatives is the creation of the IOFS Gene Bank in Kazakhstan. This project is aimed at strengthening food resilience and preserving genetic resources for OIC Member States.
At the conclusion of the meeting, both parties highlighted the importance of strengthening mutually beneficial cooperation between IOFS and Kazakhstan. They reaffirmed their commitment to promoting sustainable solutions for the development of the agricultural sector in OIC Member States and ensuring long-term food security across the Islamic world.
