Astana, Kazakhstan – 19 March 2025 – The Director General of the Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS), H.E. Ambassador Berik Aryn, met with the Chairman of the Senate of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan, H.E. Maulen Ashimbayev, to discuss key initiatives aimed at strengthening food security in Kazakhstan and the wider Central Asian region.
During the meeting, H.E. Maulen Ashimbayev emphasized that food shortages and hunger remain among the most urgent global challenges. According to the United Nations, over 340 million people worldwide suffer from food insecurity, with nearly two million on the brink of famine. Given the current geopolitical tensions and environmental threats, the work of the IOFS—an organization established at Kazakhstan’s initiative—holds particular significance in addressing these challenges.
“The President of Kazakhstan, H.E. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, has identified food security as a strategic priority for our country. In this regard, the IOFS plays a vital role in tackling global food issues. We highly value and support the Organization’s initiatives, including its efforts to provide humanitarian assistance to crisis-affected populations, such as the people of Afghanistan,” stated H.E. Maulen Ashimbayev.
The meeting also highlighted Kazakhstan’s ongoing efforts to strengthen agricultural policies, ensure food accessibility, and enhance the country’s food independence. These priorities remain at the core of parliamentary discussions and government policies. The discussions also reinforced Kazakhstan’s commitment to supporting IOFS-led programs and advancing its role as a hub for agricultural innovation within the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) region.
The Chairman of the Senate informed H.E. Ambassador Aryn about the outcomes of his recent meetings with religious leaders in Bahrain and extended an invitation to participate in the VIII Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, set to be held on 17-18 September 2025 in Astana under the theme “Dialogue of Religions: Synergy for the Future.”
In turn, H.E. Ambassador Aryn began by expressing his gratitude to the President of Kazakhstan, H.E. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, and the Government of Kazakhstan for their steadfast support in fostering an enabling environment for the Organization’s activities. He acknowledged Kazakhstan’s instrumental role in championing food security efforts and reaffirmed the IOFS’s commitment to working closely with the country in advancing sustainable agricultural development.
H.E. Ambassador Aryn outlined the IOFS’s strategic vision, highlighting major initiatives and ongoing projects designed to address food security challenges while promoting sustainable agricultural development. Key areas of discussion included livestock development, wheat production, agricultural innovation, and the establishment of a genetic bank to preserve and enhance regional crop diversity. H.E. Ambassador Aryn also provided insights into the upcoming 7th General Assembly of IOFS, set to take place in Astana this year, which will serve as a crucial platform for fostering international collaboration on food security.
Moving forward, IOFS remains dedicated to working closely with the government of Kazakhstan and international partners to implement impactful initiatives that will contribute to long-term food security and sustainable agricultural growth across the Islamic world.
At the conclusion of the meeting, H.E. Ambassador Aryn extended his heartfelt congratulations on the upcoming Nauryz holiday, wishing the people of Kazakhstan unity, prosperity, and well-being. He underscored the significance of Nauryz as a celebration of renewal, harmony, and shared aspirations for a brighter future.
