On 19 January 2022, a technical virtual meeting was held between the Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS) and the Arab Society for Plant Protection (ASPP), represented by Dr. Hassan Dahi, Member of the Board, to exchange views on ways and means to develop their bilateral cooperation. The IOFS was represented by Dr. Ismail Abdelhamid, IOFS Director of Programmes and Projects Office, Mr. Abdula Manafi Mutualo, IOFS Senior Liaison Officer, along with Mr. Abu Husain Mohammad Kamruzzaman, IOFS Program Manager.
The joint action in plant protection was the main common interest that formed most of the deliberations during the virtual meeting. Both institutions agreed that it was high time to initiate institutionalized cooperation towards implementing projects and initiatives in the field under reference.
Additionally, and considering that 2022 is “IOFS Year of Africa,” the two sides agreed, in principle, that once formalized, their bilateral efforts are to prioritize the OIC Member States in Sub-Saharan Africa. Dr. Hassan Dahi mentioned that the 12th ASPP Annual Conference would be held in October 2022, and the IOFS would perhaps be invited to attend the event.
It should be mentioned that IOFS and ASPP intend to continue consultations remotely and/or in-person towards consolidating their bilateral cooperation, and a high-level meeting between Their Excellencies Mr. Yerlan Baidaulet, IOFS Director General, and Dr. Ibrahim Al-Jboory, ASPP President, is to be accordingly arranged in the nearest future.
