Bilateral meeting with H.E. Yury Gorlov, Minister for Agriculture and Food of the Republic of Belarus

Minsk - The FAO Director-General met today with H.E. Yury Gorlov, Minister for Agriculture and Food of the Republic of Belarus, during his official visit to Belarus to discuss ongoing cooperation and opportunities to strengthen collaboration in support of sustainable agrifood systems and global food security.

The Minister highlighted the importance of agriculture in Belarus, noting that 38 percent of the country’s land is agricultural and that 21 percent of the population resides in rural areas. He underscored Belarus’ strong export performance, with agricultural products reaching more than 100 countries worldwide, and noted that Belarus ranks among the leading global exporters of dairy products and is the fifth largest exporter of butter, with significant potential for further expansion, particularly in milk production. The Minister also emphasized the country’s strong domestic industrial base, noting that most agricultural machinery is produced locally. The Minister also highlighted that the Belagro exhibition provided an important opportunity to experience the quality of Belarusian agricultural products and the country’s industrial capacity.

The Director-General welcomed the fruitful collaboration with Belarus and expressed appreciation for the country’s historical contribution to global food security, including through agricultural exports and its prominent role in fertilizer production, particularly potash. He emphasized Belarus’ continued importance in ensuring global food supply and fertilizer availability.

The Director-General underscored the importance of sustainable resource management, including soil and water conservation, and encouraged Belarus to continue efforts in environmental protection alongside agricultural production. He also highlighted the importance of gender equality, noting FAO’s initiatives to empower women and youth, and welcomed Belarus’ designation of 2026 as the Year of the Belarusian Woman.

In conclusion, both parties reaffirmed Belarus’ significant role in global food security and agreed on the importance of integrating productivity with environmental sustainability. They expressed a shared commitment to further strengthening cooperation to support resilient and sustainable agrifood systems.