Tehran - Iran's Ministry of Agriculture has called on the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to maintain its technical support for the country's agricultural sector and to strengthen collaboration on emergency projects.

 

Hassan Momeni, head of the Ministry's Office for International Affairs and Specialized Organizations, made the point during a meeting with the FAO representative in Iran, urging enhanced cooperation in development areas, including joint technical cooperation projects (TCPs) as well as FAO emergency programs typically provided to countries facing crises such as war.

 

He added that with FAO assistance, Iran could establish a regional specialized hub to transfer agricultural knowledge to neighboring countries in need of Iranian expertise.

 

The official also highlighted the Ministry's research institutions—including the Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute and the Biotechnology Research Institute—as national assets with strong scientific track records.

 

"They are ready to collaborate with the FAO," he said.

 

Regarding a South-South cooperation proposal involving China and the FAO, Momeni noted that the proposal has been prepared and submitted to the FAO for review.

 

The FAO representative in Iran, Farokh Tayyrov, emphasized the importance of strengthening agricultural cooperation. "FAO's capacities are crucial for advancing this collaboration for target groups and farmers across Iran," he said.

 

Tayyrov added that expanded FAO projects could also help develop Iran's agricultural sector in economic and trade areas, noting that sanctions do not apply to agricultural products.