Syria, Iraq, Lebanon and Jordan sign MoU on enhancing agricultural cooperation, trade exchange

Damascus (ST): Syria, Iraq, Lebanon and Jordan signed a memorandum of understanding in Damascus on Monday for cooperation in the agricultural field and the promotion of trade exchange in order to achieve agricultural integration among the four Arab countries.

The memorandum includes the promotion and development of cooperation between the four countries in the agricultural field, both plant and animal, in the exchange of expertise, information, successful agricultural experiences and in the management of reserves and gardens.

The memorandum also includes cooperation in the field of fighting fires, climate change, rural development, agricultural extension, production, animal health and veterinary medicines.

The Minister of Agriculture, Eng. Muhammad Hassan Qatana, said: ‘Through the agreement, investment projects will be presented in the field of establishing facilities for livestock and fodders, and benefiting from the projects of Investment Law No. 18.”

For his part, Iraqi Minister of Agriculture Abbas al-Alaywi said “The memo is a starting point for joint work and cooperation in the agricultural sector, on which most Arab peoples depend. It also provides markets for selling the products of the four countries.”

In turn, Jordanian Minister of Agriculture Khaled al-Hanifat said: “The memo is a translation of the sincere fraternal feelings between our countries and it helps us achieve integration in a way that serves the interest of our peoples.”

The Lebanese Minister of Agriculture Abbas Hajj Hassan said “this memorandum is a foundational step for a joint pioneering Arab action emanating from Damascus, and we hope that it will include all Arab countries in the near future.”

K.Q.