Cooperation in the agricultural sector was discussed between Azerbaijan and the ECO countries

Minister of Agriculture Majnun Mammadov met with a delegation led by the Secretary General of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) Asad Majid Khan, who is visiting our country within the framework of the XII Baku Global Forum.

Welcoming the guests, Minister Majnun Mammadov spoke about the reforms carried out in the agrarian sector in Azerbaijan, stressed that our country enthusiastically joins the initiatives arising from global challenges and attaches importance to effective cooperation with international partners. Touching upon the opportunities for cooperation in the field of agriculture, the Minister expressed Azerbaijan's interest in expanding relations with the member states of the Economic Cooperation Organization. He added that in order to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, especially the targets set in agriculture, it is necessary to expand intra-organizational cooperation at all stages of food and food security.

The Minister recalled that the liberated territories were declared green energy zones, and noted that effective cooperation has been established with the ECO countries in the direction of applying advanced technologies and exchanging experience in the process of large-scale restoration and reconstruction in these territories. He also noted the importance of accelerating the process of establishing a Regional Agricultural Research and Innovation Center within the organization.

Secretary General of the Economic Cooperation Organization Asad Majid Khan, in turn, provided information on the organization's action plan, ongoing projects and measures. He noted that there is great potential for increasing agricultural productivity and expanding inter-country trade in the OIC countries.

During the meeting, the current state of cooperation in the agricultural sector among the ECO countries, regional projects implemented by the organization and its specialized bodies, new initiatives put forward by member countries, increasing trade turnover in agricultural and food products, further increasing productivity in the agricultural sector, efficient use of land and water resources, digitalization of agriculture, transfer of the most modern technologies in this field, implementation of experimental programs in the fields of scientific research and education in the agricultural sector and other future areas of cooperation were discussed in detail.

The meeting exchanged views on issues of mutual interest.