On April 29, the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, Leader of the Nation, Honorable Emomali Rahmon, received at the Palace of the Nation the Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Mr. Qu Dongyu.

The meeting discussed issues of cooperation between Tajikistan and the United Nations and its agencies, including the Food and Agriculture Organization.

The President of the country, Emomali Rahmon, expressed satisfaction with the Organization’s continued support for the efforts of the Government of Tajikistan to implement national priorities for sustainable development.

Much attention was paid to strengthening the potential of the agro-industrial complex, ensuring a stable food system, adapting to the consequences of climate change, and protecting the environment.

It was considered necessary to implement projects in the areas of effective land and water resource management, improvement of the livestock sector, fisheries, forestry, plant protection, access to high-quality seeds, pest control management, and the introduction of modern agricultural innovations and technologies.

A fruitful discussion was held on the implementation of relevant programs in the areas of digitalization, conducting fundamental scientific research, developing the seed industry, and addressing environmental issues, including the “Agri-Food and Sustainable Agriculture Development Agenda for the period up to 2030” and the “United Nations Decade of Family Farming” until 2028.

At the same time, the Leader of the Nation expressed gratitude to the Director General of the Organization for supporting the nominations of Tajikistan — “Hissar Sheep” and “Toifi-Gulobi Grapes” and their inclusion in the Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS).

Much attention was also paid to the issue of establishing a Tajik corner at the Organization’s Headquarters.

Tajikistan’s interest in continuing strategic cooperation with the Organization in all areas of mutual interest was also stressed.