Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture Abdulrahman Alfadley chaired the fifth session of the Agricultural Committee under the Saudi-Iraqi Coordination Council, held in Riyadh. The meeting was attended by Iraqi Minister of Agriculture Eng. Abbas Jaber Al-Maliki and committee members from both countries.

These meetings are part of ongoing efforts to enhance cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Iraq, with the aim of strengthening strategic partnerships in the fields of environment, water, and agriculture and developing methods of integration to achieve sustainable development.

The session addressed several key topics, with both sides agreeing to enhance collaboration across various areas.

In the environmental sector, discussions focused on cooperation in vegetation cover, desertification, biodiversity, and forestry. Both sides agreed to maintain communication between environmental experts from the two countries and coordinate their positions on environmental issues at international forums, including
efforts to address sand and dust storms and share expertise.

In water resource management, discussions centered on the sustainable management of water resources, including water harvesting technologies, desalination, and the use of treated water. Both countries agreed to continue exchanging expertise on irrigation and modern technologies and to finalize procedures for signing a memorandum of understanding to enhance future cooperation in this vital area.

In agriculture and food security, the two sides agreed to activate the previously signed memorandum of understanding and increase the exchange of plant and animal agricultural products. They also agreed to resume livestock exports from Iraq, share epidemiological information on cross-border animal diseases, and train specialists in palm tissue cultivation. Additionally, they agreed to exchange expertise in combating agricultural pests, such as desert locusts and red palm weevils.

The two countries further agreed to collaborate in agricultural research, dev
elop crop varieties using genetic engineering, and enhance public-private partnerships in the production and preservation of strategic seeds. The sixth session of the Agricultural Committee will be held at a time and place to be determined through diplomatic channels.

Source: Saudi Press Agency