Astana, Kazakhstan - 20 March 2025 – The Director General of the Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS), H.E. Ambassador Berik Aryn, met with the Chairman of the Mazhilis of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan, H.E. Mr. Yerlan Koshanov, to discuss collaborative efforts in strengthening food security and sustainable agricultural development across the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) region.
During the meeting, H.E. Mr. Koshanov emphasized that ensuring access to quality and safe food is a critical issue on the international agenda. He highlighted Kazakhstan’s dedication to addressing global food security challenges and reiterated the country’s commitment to making meaningful contributions toward sustainable solutions. He noted that President of Kazakhstan, H.E. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, has placed food security under special control, outlining strategic approaches to address global challenges such as climate change, water scarcity, and biodiversity loss.
“Kazakhstan intends to tackle these issues through a strategy based on three key directions: digitalization and artificial intelligence, major infrastructure projects, and nuclear energy. As parliamentarians, we stand ready to provide legislative support to the President’s initiatives,” stated H.E. Mr. Koshanov.
During the discussion, H.E. Ambassador Aryn provided an overview of IOFS’s strategic vision and key initiatives, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to addressing food security challenges through innovative and sustainable solutions. Topics covered included agricultural modernization, regional cooperation in food systems, and the development of resilient supply chains. He reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s role as a key partner of IOFS and detailed joint projects aimed at enhancing agricultural resilience across OIC member states.
A key highlight of the meeting was the upcoming 7th IOFS General Assembly, set to take place in Astana under Kazakhstan’s chairmanship. H.E. Mr. Koshanov stressed the importance of prioritizing projects with real socio-economic significance while considering current geopolitical, geo-economic, and climatic conditions. He also underscored the necessity of efficient water resource management in ensuring food security.
To further enhance project implementation, both parties discussed expanding collaboration between IOFS and Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Agriculture, as well as scientific institutions and higher education establishments. H.E. Ambassador Aryn expressed his appreciation for Kazakhstan’s continuous support as the host state of IOFS, recognizing its pivotal role in facilitating the organization’s mission.
The meeting reaffirmed the shared commitment of both parties to strengthening food security policies, fostering regional integration, and leveraging technological advancements in the agro-industrial sector for the benefit of OIC member states.
