Rome- Iran’s cooperation with the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) continues to expand despite Western sanctions and political pressure, with the UN agency reaffirming its readiness to support the country’s food security, Iran’s permanent representative to FAO says.

 

Ali Kiani-Rad made the remarks on Saturday on the sidelines of FAO’s From Seeds to Food exhibition in Rome, stressing that political pressure had never prompted the organization to scale back cooperation with Iran.

 

He said FAO had reaffirmed its commitment to helping strengthen Iran’s food security following the recent war, underscoring the country’s importance and agricultural capabilities.

 

Kiani-Rad also criticized attempts by some countries to politicize FAO’s activities following the recent military aggression against Iran, saying such pressure sought to divert the organization from its mandate of providing technical assistance to all member states.

 

He cited FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu’s visit to Iran’s pavilion at the Rome exhibition as a further sign of the country’s standing within the organization. The director-general has repeatedly emphasized the importance of cooperation with Tehran, particularly in addressing food security challenges amid sanctions and external pressure, the envoy said.

 

Iran is participating in the exhibition’s second edition through a joint initiative by its permanent mission to FAO and its embassy in Italy. The pavilion showcases agricultural products, including dates, pistachios and saffron, alongside cultural programs highlighting the links between agriculture, food and Iran’s heritage.

 

A program featuring traditional Iranian music and audiovisual presentations on the country’s agricultural activities is scheduled for October 12 at the exhibition’s main hall.

 

Kiani-Rad said Iran would also take part in upcoming FAO events, including the World Food Forum and a session of the Committee on World Food Security (CFS), with senior Iranian officials expected to attend.

 

He added that Iran’s permanent mission would continue working to strengthen the country’s presence in international technical organizations and leverage their scientific, technical and diplomatic capacities to advance national interests and improve food security.