Vienna - Iran’s active engagement in international agriculture and food forums is an important avenue for advancing national interests, presenting the country’s positions and strengthening food security, Iran’s ambassador and permanent representative to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) said.

 

Ali Kiani-Rad made the remarks at a meeting of the Ministry of Agriculture’s senior management council, referring to developments following what he described as the war and attacks by the United States and Israel against Iran.

 

He said Iran’s defense capabilities, along with its focus on food security, national security and national cohesion, had attracted significant attention internationally.

 

“After the first two or three FAO meetings, many countries and powers that had initially approached issues concerning Iran cautiously now acknowledge that Iran is playing a stronger role internationally than it did before the attacks,” Kiani-Rad said.

 

He highlighted the Ministry of Agriculture's role in strengthening Iran’s international engagement, saying that under the agriculture minister’s direction and with the cooperation of ministry officials and staff, Iran’s positions had been presented clearly and effectively at international forums.

 

Kiani-Rad also referred to the agriculture minister’s participation via videoconference in two regional conferences, saying Iran’s positions were presented to representatives of 193 countries. He said this provided an opportunity for Iran’s views on agriculture, food and food security to be heard by the international community.

 

Emphasizing the importance of agricultural diplomacy, Kiani-Rad said international agriculture and food forums extend well beyond discussions on agricultural production and trade. They also provide opportunities to advance national interests, expand international cooperation and pursue issues related to food security.

 

“Food security is part of national security,” he said, adding that strengthening domestic production capacity, expanding international cooperation and maintaining an effective presence in specialized international organizations and forums could enhance Iran’s capacity to strengthen food security.

 

Kiani-Rad also praised the agriculture minister and ministry officials and staff, saying continued coordination between the Ministry of Agriculture and Iran’s permanent mission to FAO could contribute to a stronger Iranian presence in international forums, while supporting the country’s agricultural and food-security priorities.