Abuja: Egypt says it will increase its cooperation with the United Nations to enhance its agricultural sector. Alaa Farouk, Egypt’s Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, disclosed this during a meeting with Elena Panova, the UN Resident Coordinator in Egypt.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the meeting discussed enhancing cooperation between the ministry and UN agencies working in the agricultural sector. Farouk emphasised the importance of engaging both the Egyptian and African private sectors to boost trade, investment, and food security on the continent.
For her part, Panova presented the UN cooperation framework with Egypt for 2023-2027, covering five key areas. These include climate and resource sustainability, education, health, migration, and others. She expressed her commitment to strengthen cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture to promote sustainable agricultural development and food security in Egypt.
Following the meeting, the two sides agreed to plan ministerial discussions with African countries under the leadership of the Egyptian Ministry of Agriculture. These meetings will bring together relevant UN agencies and private sector representatives from selected African countries. The aim is to establish new cooperation mechanisms and stimulate private sector investment, in line with Egypt’s broader efforts to strengthen ties with African countries.
Egypt also confirmed its readiness to share its experience in agricultural research with African countries with the support of UN agencies working in these regions.