Astana, Kazakhstan - 17th August 2023 - Today, the Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, His Excellency Mr. Abdulrahman Al-Fadhli, arrived in Astana, Kazakhstan for a working visit. The delegation also consisted of H.E. Sulaiman AlRumaih, CEO of Saudi Agricultural and Livestock Investment Company (SALIC); H.E. Eng. Ahmed Al Fares, Governor of the General Food Security Authority; H.E.Mr. Faisal bin Hanif Al-Qahtani the Ambassador of KSA to Kazakhstan; H.E. Eng. Ahmed Saleh Aiadh AlKhamshi, Deputy Minister; H.E. Eng. Abdulaziz Al-Huwaish Director General of International Cooperation, Honorary Chairman of the Executive Board of the IOFS.This visit aims to strengthen multifaceted cooperation between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Kazakhstan.
During his visit, Minister Al-Fadhli had the privilege of meeting with the President of Kazakhstan, His Excellency Mr. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. The bilateral talks focused on the implementation of previously agreed-upon agreements between Saudi Arabia and Kazakhstan to bolster cooperation. President Tokayev highlighted the significance of these agreements and expressed his support for further collaboration with Saudi Arabia.
In his speech, Minister Al-Fadhli underlined the crucial importance of food safety issues. He acknowledged that food safety is a global challenge and expressed his confidence in Kazakhstan's potential to become a key player in this field. "Food safety is a major challenge for the whole world. We truly believe that Kazakhstan has every opportunity to become a key player in this field," stated the Saudi Minister.
Following the high-level meeting, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia delegation was warmly welcomed by the Director General of the Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS), His Excellency Prof. Yerlan Baidaulet, at the headquarters of the organization. The Director General also presented a food exposition of local Kazakhstan agriculture products to the delegation.
During the meeting, Prof. Baidaulet provided an overview of the activities and initiatives of the IOFS and expressed his aspirations to strengthen cooperation with Saudi Arabia in the realm of food security. The Director General also emphasized the imperative role the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has held in the history of the institutionalization of the IOFS.
In turn, Minister Al-Fadhli affirmed the significance of food security in today's dynamic world and extended his wholehearted support to the IOFS, endorsing its endeavors in all areas of operation.
The visit of Minister Abdulrahman Al-Fadhli to Kazakhstan and his engagement with high-level officials and IOFS demonstrate the commitment and dedication of Saudi Arabia to promoting global food safety and security. Such collaborations and partnerships are vital in tackling the challenges faced in the global food system.
