وفد عراقي رفيع المستوى يزور مكتب المنظمة الإقليمي للشرق الأدنى وشمال أفريقيا

30/05/2013 - 

Yesterday, Dr. Subhi M. Al Jumaily, Iraqi Senior Deputy Minister for Agriculture, concluded an official visit to the FAO Regional Office for Near East and North Africa that took place from 26-29 May. Dr. Subhi was accompanied by high officials from the Cabinet of the Prime Minister and from the Presidency of the Council Ministers.

The general Manager of Mesopotamia Company for Seed was also member of the delegation.

The high level delegation was welcomed by Mr. Abdessalam Ould Ahmed, FAO Assistant Director General and Regional Representative for the Near East and North Africa Region and a pool of technical experts from the regional office.

“We are glad to host you here, especially in this crucial moment that is witnessing a major change in the social and economic situation of the Republic of Iraq. The shift from a post-war emergency state to that of a developing country is leading to a multi-dimensional transition that FAO has the duty and the will to support in all sectors related to its knowledge and expertise”, announced Mr. Abdessalam in his welcoming speech to the delegation.

During the visit, Mr. Fadel Al Zubi, FAO representative in Iraq, offered a presentation of Iraq’s road map to development, highlighting future priority areas of intervention and pledges from different donors. The FAO Representative also illustrated the main pillars of the development oriented approach that will inform actions and interventions in the country in term of policies, strategies and capacity building.

“The Republic of Iraq highly appreciates FAO effective support to key development sectors in our country. We are proud of the consolidated partnership our country has been able to built with FAO and we are confident that FAO’s technical support will benefit our country also in key, priority sectors to boost agricultural production and improve the management of scarce natural resources”, stated Dr. Subhi in his speech during the meeting with FAO technical officers. The Deputy Minster and the other members of the delegation also presented an overview of the agriculture situation in Iraq, highlighting main areas in which FAO’s expertise and knowledge can represent an added value. Perspectives of enhancing the collaboration between the two partners in key development areas, such as land and water resources management and improvement of agricultural production, have been discussed.

During the visit the Iraqi high officials have also been briefed about new Strategic Objectives and the strategic thinking that will inform this crucial reforming process within the organization. The visit confirmed the strong partnership and close cooperation between the two partners and paved the way for more effective cooperation for the future development of the Republic of Iraq.

FAO Office: FAO RNE