The Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Fisheries discusses strengthening bilateral cooperation with the FAO Director.

Minister Discusses Agricultural Cooperation with FAO Director

Bari Conference Focuses on Plant Health Strategy

Today, Yemen’s Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Fisheries, Salem Al-Saqtri, met with Dr. Qu Dongyu, the Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), to explore ways to enhance bilateral cooperation. This meeting took place during the conference aimed at supporting the Plant Health Strategy in the Near East and North Africa, held in Bari, Italy.

Joint Efforts to Maximize Impact

During their discussion, Al-Saqtri emphasized the importance of coordinated efforts between Yemen and the FAO. He highlighted the need to capitalize on existing opportunities to strengthen the Plant Health Strategy. The minister praised the FAO’s ongoing initiatives in Yemen, particularly in light of the compounded challenges the country faces due to the ongoing conflict instigated by Houthi militias and the impacts of climate change.

National Strategy for Food Security

Al-Saqtri outlined key elements of Yemen’s national strategy aimed at enhancing the agricultural and fisheries sectors to improve food security. He stressed the necessity of building capacity through training programs and equipping specialized centers with essential testing and monitoring equipment.

FAO’s Commitment to Support Yemen

In response, Dr. Qu Dongyu reaffirmed the FAO’s commitment to supporting Yemen, particularly in strengthening agricultural and veterinary quarantine centers. He assured that these centers would be equipped to fulfill their roles effectively.

Attendance and Representation

The meeting also included the presence of Dr. Asmahan Al-Touqi, Yemen’s Ambassador to Italy, who underscored the significance of international collaboration in addressing Yemen’s agricultural challenges.

This dialogue marks a crucial step toward fostering sustainable agricultural practices and enhancing food security in Yemen, demonstrating the importance of international partnerships in overcoming local challenges.

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