On July 6, 2022, the ECO Secretary General H.E. Ambassador Khusrav Noziri met with the Minister of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan H.E. Mr. Yerbol Karashukeyev. Interacting on the sidelines of 7th ECO Ministerial Meeting on Agriculture, the two sides took into account the regional cooperation on agriculture and food security issues, especially the conditions taking place in the aftermath of COVID-19.
Acknowledging the commendable contribution of Kazakhstan to promote, develop and enrich the Organization’s agenda of cooperation, the Secretary General encouraged the country to join various important ECO frameworks, including Regional Coordination Center for Food Security, Biotechnology Network, Seed Association as well as ECO Veterinary Organization. Moreover, he invited the Minister to participate in the 8th International Seed Fair and Conference planned to be organized by ECO Seed Association (ECOSA) in Baku during the second half of 2022.
The honourable Minister, emphasizing the importance of enhanced regional cooperation on agriculture and food security, reiterated Kazakhstan’s continuous support to ECO. He also expressed their ambition and desire to be increasingly engaged in the overall development activities of the Organization. He assured that Kazakhstan is genuinely considering to join the ECO Veterinary Organization soon in the proximate future.
The two sides appeared mutually ready, receptive and forthcoming to support any efforts that are targeted at securing greater agricultural cooperation, particularly during the emerging global landscape that continues to pose serious challenges for regional food security.