Amman, Sep.29 (Petra) –Minister of Agriculture Dr. Saeb Khreisat discussed with a high-level delegation from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) ways to strengthen joint cooperation between Jordan and the organization.
The discussions focused on supporting food system resilience, enhancing food security, and developing "strategic" partnerships in priority agricultural and food sectors.
According to a ministry statement, the FAO delegation included Deputy Director-General Beth Bechdol, Assistant Director- General and Regional Representative for the Near East and North Africa Dr. AbdulHakim Elwaer, and the Director of FAO's Office of Emergencies and Resilience, Rein Paulsen.
The meeting addressed the importance of enhancing cooperation in areas such as agricultural sustainability, natural resource management, support for farming communities, and the development of production and marketing chains.
The satement said these efforts contribute to providing safe and sustainable food while supporting growth and development opportunities in agricultural areas.
Both sides underlined the need to continue coordination, cooperation, and expertise exchange, as well as exploring opportunities for developing joint programs and projects.
These initiatives aim to strengthen the agricultural sector's role in achieving food security and bolstering resilience of food systems to meet future challenges.
Talking at the meeting, Khreisat highlighted the importance of the existing "strategic" partnership between Jordan and FAO, noting its role as a "key" pillar in supporting the Kingdom's efforts to develop the agricultural sector and enhance food security.
He urged continued cooperation, exchange of expertise and knowledge, calling for leveraging available technical assistance provided by the organization in relevant fields.
He noted that enhancing food security requires continued efforts to develop food systems, aimed to make them "more resilient" to challenges and emergencies.
He said this vision entails supporting farmers and producers, improving agricultural productivity, and enhancing efficiency of food value chains, all of which contribute to achieving "sustainable" agricultural development and strengthening the resilience of agricultural communities.
Commending FAO’s efforts in supporting Jordan, he highlighted its technical expertise, programs, and projects provided to develop the agricultural sector and bolster food security.
He affirmed the ministry’s commitment to maintaining joint coordination with FAO and expanding areas of cooperation, in alignment with national priorities for the Kingdom's agricultural sector.
//Petra// AG .
