Astana, Kazakhstan – H.E. Ambassador Berik Aryn, Director General of the Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS), welcomed H.E. Mr. Karamoko Jean Marie TRAORÉ, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Cooperation, and Burkinabe Abroad of Burkina Faso to IOFS Headquarters in Astana today. The meeting was attended by both delegations in presence of H.E. Mr. Aristide R. Ludovic TAPSOBA, Ambassador of Burkina Faso to the Republic of Kazakhstan (based in Moscow), and H.E. Ms. Saulekul Sailaukyzy, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Burkina Faso (based in Rabat).
During the discussions, Ambassador Aryn expressed appreciation for Burkina Faso's forward-looking Agriculture Development Strategy to 2025 and Vision to 2030. He highlighted that the country's agricultural sector, which engages 80% of its population, exemplifies both the challenges and opportunities that IOFS is committed to addressing across OIC member states.
The talks explored potential areas for enhanced cooperation, including climate-smart agriculture, livestock development, women empowerment in agricultural sectors, and sustainable soil health practices; all aligned with Burkina Faso's national priorities and IOFS's strategic objectives. The ongoing collaboration on strengthening the cassava value chain, which has already yielded a comprehensive national action plan, was highlighted as a successful model for future cooperative initiatives.
Minister TRAORÉ expressed gratitude for IOFS's continued support and reiterated Burkina Faso's dedication to close collaboration with the organization in achieving food security goals. He underlined that agriculture remains a top priority for national development.
The meeting concluded with agreement on practical next steps, including the creation of a joint working group to advance priority initiatives in the agricultural sector.
