The expanded meeting discussed ways to enhance joint cooperation in areas related to agriculture and food, including the exchange of expertise and information on food safety and the quality of agricultural products, and facilitating the exchange and flow of agricultural commodities between the two brotherly countries.
Farouk welcomed the CEO of the NFSA and his accompanying delegation, noting the importance of this meeting in strengthening the strategic relations between Egypt and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, particularly with regard to achieving food security for both peoples, as well as ensuring food safety.
He also expressed his aspiration to enhance joint cooperation and facilitate procedures that would contribute to the flow of agricultural and food commodities between the two countries, as well as to remove obstacles to the success of joint cooperation in all areas related to food security and preserving citizens' health.
The Minister of Agriculture reviewed the efforts made by the Ministry of Agriculture to ensure the quality of agricultural exports abroad and the status of Egyptian agricultural exports to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which represent more than 12% of total exports to various countries worldwide. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is therefore an important destination for Egyptian exports, which currently reach more than 160 markets worldwide. He also referred to the Saudi decision to suspend onion imports from Egypt since last year, noting the high quality and good reputation of Egyptian onions in global markets. He also noted that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is one of the most important markets for Egyptian onions.
On other hand, the meeting reviewed the roles of internationally accredited reference laboratories affiliated with the Agricultural Research Center were reviewed, as they play a significant role in detecting the quality of these products and conducting the necessary analyses and tests to ensure this, using the latest advanced equipment and technologies.
The Minister of Agriculture also stressed the importance of increasing Gulf investment opportunities, particularly Saudi investment opportunities, in Egypt's agricultural sector, especially following the recent measures taken by the Egyptian government to improve the foreign investment climate. He also emphasized the fact that Egypt offers many promising investment opportunities in this sector.
Al-Jadhey expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome, emphasizing the Kingdom's keenness to enhance cooperation with Egypt in various fields, particularly with regard to food safety and agricultural products. He also highlighted the importance of joint integration and coordination to ensure the highest standards of food safety and quality in the region.
Discussions also addressed procedures for animal products and the efforts of the General Authority for Veterinary Services and the Animal Health Research Institute in this regard. It was also noted that approximately 38 isolated Egyptian facilities have been accredited for poultry production, and that 18 more facilities are currently being accredited for export.
The meeting also discussed the possibility of Egypt becoming the primary source of exports of agricultural goods, crops, and animal products to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, given the reputation of Egyptian agricultural exports. This would also achieve integration between the two brotherly countries. At the end of the meeting, it was agreed to form joint technical committees to study proposals and ways to enhance joint cooperation, and to establish mechanisms to activate this cooperation in the near future.