Amman, May 21 (Petra) – Her Royal Highness Princess Alia bint Al Hussein, President of the Royal Jordanian Equestrian Federation, underscored the importance of strengthening international cooperation in animal welfare and health, while enhancing the exchange of expertise and knowledge among countries.
Speaking during the opening session of the World Conference on Animal Health and the 93rd General Assembly of the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE), held in Paris from May 18-21, Princess Alia commended the organization’s efforts in protecting livestock and curbing the spread of trans-boundary animal diseases.
The conference brought together representatives from 119 countries to discuss global animal health challenges and food security priorities.
Princess Alia highlighted the challenges facing Jordan in the animal health sector due to its strategic geographic location linking continents, noting that the Kingdom remains vulnerable to cross-border animal diseases and related risks. She stressed the importance of strengthening food security and ensuring the sustainability of food supply chains.
A high-level ministerial meeting was also held on the sidelines of the General Assembly, with the participation of more than 17 ministers from around the world.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Agriculture on Thursday, Minister of Agriculture Saeb Khraisat participated in the conference and accompanying dialogue sessions, where he reviewed Jordan’s precautionary measures aimed at limiting the spread of animal diseases.
Khraisat highlighted the importance of protection and early warning programs in reinforcing food security systems and safeguarding livestock health.
He also took part in a high-level panel discussion on the key challenges facing the agricultural sector and on Jordan’s measures to maintain continuity of food supply chains amid rapidly evolving regional and international developments.
The minister stressed the need to secure sustainable funding for animal health programs and strengthen partnerships with the private sector to improve disease prevention and response mechanisms.
Khraisat further underscored the importance of enhancing global food security, facilitating the movement of agricultural and food commodities between countries, and expanding trade flows to support sustainable supply chains and maintain food market stability.
//Petra// AJ
