The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan held a briefing on developing cooperation with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). A key outcome was the confirmation of a long-term partnership and the signing of an agreement establishing an FAO representative office in the country, according to turkmenistan.gov.tm.
Senior officials attended the briefing from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, representatives of the diplomatic corps, international organizations, and media.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Myahri Byashimova stated that cooperation with FAO, which began in 1995, is strategic in nature. She noted the completion of the Country Programming Framework for 2021–2025, under which dozens of projects have been implemented.
The programs focused on the digitalization of agriculture, the sustainability of food systems, the development of agricultural statistics, the implementation of environmentally friendly technologies, and support for farmers.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the cooperation portfolio includes more than 30 active projects. Priorities include locust and grain pest control, digital crop monitoring, the creation of an animal identification system, soil management, and the production of climate-adapted cotton.
FAO Regional Representative for Europe and Central Asia Viorel Gutu joined the briefing via videoconference. He spoke about FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu’s visit to Turkmenistan and the discussions on further expanding cooperation.
The parties explored opportunities for cooperation in digital agriculture, land and water management, and the One Health approach, including nutrition, veterinary medicine, livestock production, and crop production.
FAO confirmed its commitment to facilitating investment to address climate risks. The signed agreement provides for an expanded expert group and enhanced technical assistance.
Concluding the briefing, the parties stated that digital agriculture and sustainable water management would remain key areas of joint work in the coming years.
