BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 6. Uzbekistan and the
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
agreed to deepen cooperation on food security and agricultural
development as President Shavkat Mirziyoyev receives FAO
Director-General Qu Dongyu in Tashkent on Oct. 6.
This was reflected in the statement by the press service of the
Uzbek president.
Qu is visiting Uzbekistan to attend an international conference
marking World Cotton Day and the Second International Forum on the
Development of Agrifood Systems of Landlocked Developing
Countries.
The two sides reviewed the results of their practical
cooperation in recent years. The sides reviewed the implementation
of a new five-year partnership program and the development of
further joint initiatives. Currently, 27 joint projects are in the
active implementation phase.
Uzbekistan has also been elected for the first time to the FAO
Council for 2028–2029, while an Agro-Innovation Hub for landlocked
developing countries is scheduled to open in Tashkent on Oct.
7.
The sides placed particular attention on implementing the new
cooperation program and developing a pipeline of joint projects,
including initiatives focused on digitalization and artificial
intelligence in agriculture, climate financing, knowledge exchange
and specialist training.
“Special attention was paid to the effective implementation of
the new cooperation program and the development of a promising
package of joint projects,” the Uzbek president’s office said.
During the meeting, Qu presented Mirziyoyev with FAO’s highest
distinction, the Agricola Medal, in recognition of his initiatives
and achievements in food security and the development of
agriculture and water management.
Established by FAO in 1977, the Agricola Medal is awarded to
individuals recognized for their commitment and practical
contributions to global goals, including the eradication of hunger
and strengthening food security.
