FAO and Kuwait strengthen partnership to advance sustainable agrifood sectors

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the State of Kuwait are strengthening their partnership to support sustainable and resilient agriculture, food and fisheries sectors, with a focus on technical cooperation and institutional development.

During a high-level meeting in Kuwait City, FAO Subregional Coordinator for the Gulf States and Yemen, Ahmad Mukhtar, and a technical team met with H.E. Dr Reem Al-Fulaij the Minister of State for Development and Sustainability and Dr. Mohammed Al Ahmad, Chairman of the Public Authority for Agriculture Affairs and Fish Resources (PAAFR) Board of Directors, alongside senior officials and representatives of the State of Kuwait.

The meeting reaffirmed the importance of continued cooperation between FAO and Kuwait and highlighted FAO's ongoing technical support to PAAFR. The partnership brings together FAO's regional expertise and technical assistance with Kuwait's national priorities to strengthen the foundations for sustainable agricultural and food systems.

The engagement forms part of FAO's ongoing support to Kuwait, which is providing technical assistance to PAAFR to support institutional development and strengthen its capacity to deliver its mandate. The project builds on earlier stages of cooperation and brings together expertise from FAO's Subregional Office for the Gulf States and Yemen and the Regional Office for the Near East and North Africa.

The September engagement also brought together PAAFR's leadership and technical departments, reflecting the breadth of cooperation between FAO and Kuwait across the agriculture, food and fisheries sectors. Discussions underscored the shared interest in translating technical cooperation into practical support for Kuwait's sector priorities and future planning.

“FAO values its longstanding partnership with Kuwait and remains committed to providing high-quality technical support that responds to national priorities and contributes to more sustainable and resilient agrifood systems,” said Ahmad Mukhtar, FAO Subregional Coordinator for the Gulf States and Yemen.

Looking ahead, FAO will deliver the Operational and Financial Assessment by the end of September 2026, together with an implementation roadmap to support potential future initiatives and areas of cooperation.

The partnership reflects FAO's continued commitment to supporting countries in the Gulf region through tailored technical assistance, knowledge and expertise, helping strengthen national institutions and advance sustainable agrifood systems.