Strengthening Partnerships for Food Security in OIC Member States
Algiers, Algeria - 20 May 2025 - The Director General of the Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS), H.E. Ambassador Berik Aryn, strengthened strategic partnerships and advanced the organization's food security initiatives through a series of high-level meetings during the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Annual Meeting in Algiers.
Advancing Partnership with Global Green Growth Institute
Ambassador Aryn engaged in productive discussions with H.E. Dr. Mahamadou Tounkara, Regional Director of the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) for Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The meeting highlighted the growing collaboration between the two institutions and explored new avenues for partnership in sustainable agriculture and food security.
Dr. Tounkara expressed satisfaction with the current level of collaboration and conveyed GGGI's enthusiasm to further develop cooperation in areas of mutual interest. Both organizations agreed to sign a formal Memorandum of Understanding at the earliest opportunity, solidifying their commitment to joint initiatives.
During the discussions, Ambassador Aryn provided a comprehensive overview of IOFS's flagship programs and ongoing projects in OIC Member States, with particular emphasis on initiatives in Africa under the Africa Food Security Initiative (AFSI). He also briefed Dr. Tounkara on future IOFS activities in Member States where preliminary project documentation has already been developed.
GGGI expressed strong interest in contributing to these efforts and working collaboratively in countries where both organizations maintain a presence, leveraging their complementary expertise to advance sustainable agriculture practices.
Strengthening Collaboration with Algeria's Agricultural Leadership
Ambassador Aryn held a constructive meeting with Mr. Hamed Ben Said, Secretary General of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of Algeria. The dialogue centered on areas of mutual interest and potential collaboration between IOFS and Algeria's agricultural sector.
Ambassador Aryn expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to visit Algeria again, noting the country's significant role in the OIC geography. He provided a detailed overview of IOFS's mission, core mandates, and flagship programs and projects, with special emphasis on initiatives in Africa focused on cassava, wheat, biochar, and livestock development. Ambassador Aryn also highlighted the importance of Algeria's potential membership in IOFS and the valuable contributions the country could make to the organization's mission.
Mr. Ben Said shared insights on Algeria's impressive progress toward achieving food self-sufficiency, particularly in wheat production and animal feed, as well as the country's innovative sustainable water management practices in agriculture. He highlighted Algeria's special focus on developing Saharan agriculture, an area where the country has developed significant expertise that could benefit other OIC Member States facing similar challenges.
The Secretary General also presented findings from Algeria's recent comprehensive agricultural census, which has provided valuable data for strategic agricultural planning and development across the country.
Ambassador Aryn expressed IOFS's keen interest in drawing upon Algeria's agricultural expertise and facilitating knowledge-sharing among OIC Member States. Both sides agreed to develop a collaborative work plan aligned with Algeria's priorities and IOFS's strategic objectives.
Participation in IsDB Opening Ceremony
Ambassador Aryn attended the official opening ceremony of the IsDB Annual Meeting, which featured addresses by H.E. Nadir Larbaoui, Prime Minister of Algeria, H.E. Dr. Muhammad Al Jasser, President of the Islamic Development Bank, and H.E. Abdelkrim Bouzred, Minister of Finance of Algeria.
Throughout the meeting, Ambassador Aryn actively participated in several high-level panel sessions focused on sustainable agriculture and food security, intra-OIC trade and investment, Digital transformation and Financial Inclusion, etc.
On the sidelines of these sessions, the Director General engaged in numerous bilateral discussions with representatives of IOFS partner organizations and Member States. These conversations focused on exploring innovative ways to strengthen collaboration, enhance resource mobilization, and develop joint programs that address the pressing food security challenges facing OIC countries.
