11–13 February 2025, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – H.E. Ambassador Berik Aryn, Director General of the Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS), conducted a fruitful visit to Malaysia to enhance collaboration in agricultural research, food security, and sustainable development. The visit aimed at reinforcing Malaysia’s engagement in multilateral food security initiatives and expanding technical cooperation in key sectors.
Strengthening Scientific Collaboration with MARDI
Amb. Berik Aryn visited the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI) where he met with H.E. Dato’ Dr. Mohamad Zabawi bin Abdul Ghani, Director General of MARDI to explore avenues for deepening scientific collaboration. Discussions focused on advancing research in gene banks, climate-smart agriculture, and sustainable farming technologies, underscoring the role of innovation in ensuring resilient food systems across the OIC region.
High-Level Engagements to Enhance Cooperation
During his stay in Malaysia Amb. Aryn held a series of high-level meetings with senior Malaysian officials to discuss food security policies and strategic partnerships:
- Meeting with H.E. Datuk Nur Jazlan bin Tan, Deputy President of the Senate of Malaysia – The discussion focused on legislative support for food security policies and the role of parliamentary diplomacy in advancing regional food security efforts.
- Meeting with H.E. Datuk Seri Haji Muhamad bin Sabu, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security of Malaysia, and H.E. Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup, Deputy Minister – Key areas of IOFS activities were reviewed, with the leadership of Ministry of Agriculture expressing a strong commitment to fostering collaboration. Ambassador Aryn also briefed the Minister on the upcoming 7th IOFS General Assembly in Astana.
- Meeting with H.E. Amizal Fadzli Rajali, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia – Discussions highlighted opportunities for technical cooperation and Malaysia’s engagement in IOFS initiatives.
- Visit to the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM)- Ambassador Aryn met with H.E. Dato’ Dr. Sirajuddin Bin Suhaimee to discuss potential joint initiatives in capacity building and food certification.
Throughout the visit, H.E. Bulat Sugurbayev, Amb. of Kazakhstan to Malaysia, attended all meetings, reaffirming Kazakhstan’s support for IOFS’s engagement with Malaysia. The Embassy of Kazakhstan in Malaysia provided full assistance, ensuring the success of the mission.
Advancing Collective Food Security Efforts
This visit marks a significant step toward enhancing Malaysia-IOFS cooperation and reinforcing joint efforts to address food security challenges across the OIC region. Both sides expressed their readiness to translate discussions into tangible initiatives, driving innovation, resilience, and sustainability in agricultural and food security sectors.
