Astana (TDI): The Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS) hosted Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister, Jeyhun Bayramov, at its headquarters in Astana, reaffirming a shared commitment to tackling food security challenges across the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member countries.
During the high-level meeting, IOFS Director General Ambassador Berik Aryn commended Azerbaijan’s leadership in climate resilience and sustainable agriculture, appreciating its successful hosting of COP29.
He noted IOFS’ participation at COP29, supporting initiatives on regional agriculture, focusing on climate smart agriculture, sustainable agriculture, water security, biodiversity, and food safety.
Ambassador Aryn expressed deep gratitude for Azerbaijan’s generous contribution to IOFS’ humanitarian aid appeal for Gaza, which facilitated the dispatch of the first wheat flour convoy, embodying the solidarity of the Islamic community.
The Director General also emphasized the ongoing collaboration with Azerbaijan’s Agricultural Research Center and commended the Research Institute of Crop Husbandry’s engagement in the IOFS Gene Bank project and Wheat Development program.
Looking ahead, Ambassador Aryn announced the upcoming 7th Session of the IOFS General Assembly, scheduled for July 2025 in Astana.
He expressed hope that Azerbaijan would consider signing the IOFS Statute during the Assembly to become a full Member State, strengthening its role in promoting food security within the OIC framework.
During the visit, IOFS provided an overview presentation on its mission and key activities, highlighting initiatives aimed at enhancing food security, promoting sustainable agricultural practices, and fostering intra-OIC cooperation.
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The presentation also emphasized IOFS’s strategic programs, including capacity-building initiatives, research and development projects, and efforts to strengthen food supply chains across member states.
In turn, Jeyhun Bayramov reaffirmed Azerbaijan’s strong support for IOFS, emphasizing the organization’s essential role in strengthening food security among OIC member states.
He highlighted the significance of COP29 in fostering international dialogue on climate change mitigation and adaptation, particularly within the agricultural sector, and underscored Azerbaijan’s commitment to addressing these challenges as a national priority.
Minister Bayramov emphasized that Azerbaijan’s presidency of COP29 was a milestone in mobilizing global efforts to combat climate-related challenges, particularly in vulnerable regions facing environmental degradation and food insecurity.
The Minister further stressed Azerbaijan’s leadership in advocating for climate-smart agricultural systems and the mobilization of financial resources to support climate adaptation initiatives.
Noting COP29’s role as a pivotal platform for global cooperation, Minister Bayramov reaffirmed Azerbaijan’s dedication to supporting climate-vulnerable nations in their transition to sustainable agricultural practices, strengthening regional resilience, and fostering collaboration within the IOFS framework.
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Minister Bayramov also confirmed that Azerbaijan is in the process of formalizing its membership in IOFS, marking a significant step toward deeper collaboration in food security and agricultural development.
He noted that Azerbaijan, leveraging its expertise in climate-smart agriculture and digital innovation in farming, is well-positioned to contribute to IOFS programs and initiatives.
The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to deepening cooperation and advancing joint efforts for sustainable agricultural development and food security in the Islamic world.
