Ministry of Agriculture: Establishment of a Gulf Operations Room to Address Crises

Kuwait officials

The 34th meeting of the deputy ministers of agriculture from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries was held remotely, under the chairmanship of the Kingdom of Bahrain, to discuss current developments related to food security and to enhance cooperation and integration among member states. The Public Authority for Agriculture and Fisheries Resources said in a statement to KUNA that the meeting reviewed measures taken by the GCC Secretariat General in light of the current situation, alongside discussing a number of laws and regulations aimed at supporting joint GCC efforts. The authority added that the meeting reviewed the (amended) Pesticides Law, discussed the executive regulations for the Fertilizers and Soil Conditioners Law, and examined the draft executive regulations for the Veterinary Quarantine Law, all of which contribute to strengthening food and agricultural security in the GCC countries. Kuwait was represented at the meeting by the Acting Director General of the Authority, Engineer Salem Al-Hai, accompanied by the Authority’s specialized technical team. According to the statement, Engineer Al-Hai delivered a speech noting that the meeting takes place amid rapidly accelerating regional and international conditions and challenges that necessitate strengthening coordination and joint GCC integration, particularly by giving top priority to the GCC strategic reserve of food and essential needs. He highlighted the meeting’s agenda, which is rich with many important items and projects supporting sustainability and GCC integration, pointing out the strategic importance of food security for the Gulf and the follow-up of implementation mechanisms, as well as the establishment of a joint operations room to confront crises and manage risks.