Baku, Azerbaijan – 17 June 2026 – IOFS Director General H.E. Berik Aryn, participated in the Opening Ceremony of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group Annual Meetings 2026 in Baku, Azerbaijan. The ceremony was attended by H.E. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, who highlighted the importance of international cooperation and sustainable development in addressing shared challenges across the Islamic world.
In the margins of the Annual Meetings, IOFS delegation headed by Ambassador Aryn held a bilateral meeting with the delegation of IsDB headed by Dr. Issa Faye, Director General for Global Practices and Partnerships at the IsDB. The discussions focused on strengthening the longstanding partnership between IOFS and IsDB, reviewing ongoing joint initiatives, and exploring new opportunities for cooperation in food security, agricultural transformation, climate resilience, and sustainable resource management.
The two sides welcomed the forthcoming signing of the renewed Memorandum of Understanding and the Joint Action Plan for 2026–2028, which will provide a comprehensive framework for expanding cooperation and supporting Member States in addressing food security challenges.
The Director General also held exchanges with H.E. Alamine Ousmane Mey, Minister of the Economy, Planning and Regional Development of Cameroon, H.E. Dr. Aboubakar Nacanabo, Minister of Economy and Finance of Burkina Faso, H.E. Cheikh Diba, Minister of Economy, Finance and Planning of Senegal, and with H.E. Dr. Tarifa Alzaabi, the Director General of the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture. During the discussions, the parties engaged in dialogue on the outcomes of the IsDB Annual Meetings and status of cooperation in the field of mutual interest.
The participation of IOFS in the IsDB Annual Meetings reflects the Organisation’s continued commitment to fostering strategic partnerships and promoting practical solutions to food security challenges across the Islamic world. Through active engagement with development partners and government leaders, IOFS continues to advance its mission of building resilient, sustainable, and inclusive food systems for OIC Member States.
