Qatana holds talks with Director of the Arab Organization for Agricultural Development on cooperation in the fields of agriculture and fighting fires

Damascus (ST) – The Minister of Agriculture and Agrarian Reform Muhammad Hassan Qatana discussed with the Director General of the Arab Organization for Agricultural Development (AOAD) Ibrahim El-Dukhiri, the reality of agriculture in Syria and the prospects of cooperation in implementing many projects and activating the organization’s work in Syria.

During the meeting held in the Ministry’s building on Sunday, Minister Qatana stressed that the AOAD, which is affiliated with the Araba League, is one of the leading organizations in the Arab world, and has its positive imprint in Syria.

Qatana stated that the ministry is counting on the participation of the organizations in supporting the projects within the Syrian agricultural strategy 2030 that includes 64 projects, whether financial or technical, which contributes to achieving food security and restoring stability to the agricultural sector.

He talked about the importance of expanding the Sudan support initiative launched by the organization, stressing the ministry’s readiness to barter seeds for cotton and fodder with Sudan.

For his part, Dr. El-Dukhiri indicated the existence of successful partnerships for the organization with the private sector, pointing out the need to benefit from the Syrian experience in achieving food self-sufficiency previously.

He noted that the organization’s visit to Syria is an advertisement for more cooperation, after Syria’s return to its seat in the League of Arab States, as part of the Arab organizations’ keenness to come to this country and discuss prospects for joint Arab action and cooperation.

El-Dukhiri mentioned the organization’s intention to develop the Arab institute for Forestry and Fisheries in Lattakia in a way that enhances its work in presenting its basic message of educating forestry specialists at the diploma level.

The meeting was attended by the Assistant Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Rami Al-Ali, the Director General of ACSAD, Dr. Nasr Al-Din Al-Obaid, and a number of experts in the organization and central directors in the ministry.

Najla Khoury