Rome: Minister of Agriculture Saeb Khaisat participated in the World Food Forum, held by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Rome, Italy, from October 15 to 17.
According to Jordan News Agency, on the forum's sidelines, Khreisat met with FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu to discuss bilateral cooperation in food security, agricultural innovation, water management, and institutional capacity building. During the meeting, the two sides reached a preliminary agreement to support three major projects, namely transforming agriculture in the Jordan Valley through a modern extension farm; promoting resilient camels and communities to preserve Jordan's superior camel breed; and building resilient livestock trade corridors by improving animal health and quarantine measures with Syria.
The FAO Director-General praised Jordan's efforts to develop the agricultural sector and enhance innovation and sustainability and highlighted the Kingdom's participation in the global exhibition "From Seed to Food," noting diversity of Jordanian institutions, products, and innovations on display.
Khreisat also attended a high-level ministerial meeting on South-South and triangular cooperation, reviewing Jordan's experience in developing national food systems, reducing food loss and waste, and enhancing regional collaboration in agriculture and water. The minister emphasized Jordan's role as "a model" for South-South cooperation, citing projects like the Greater Amman Municipality's partnership with Milan, Italy.
As part of the forum, HRH Princess Basma bint Ali sponsored the unveiling of a commemorative plaque for the first global exhibition, a mosaic painting replicating the Madaba Plaque, celebrating Jordan's cultural heritage and over 70 years of cooperation with the FAO. The ceremony featured Jordan's contributions to international partnerships in food security and agricultural innovation and acknowledged the Kingdom's active role in the success of the forum and exhibition.