Italy: Agreement to establish FAO office in Oman

The Sultanate of Oman and the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) signed an agreement in the Italian capital, Rome, to establish a FAO representation office in Muscat.

The agreement strengthens Oman's presence in international forums concerned with food, climate, and water. It also enables the expansion of technical and knowledge-based cooperation and facilitates the implementation of joint programmes and projects in agriculture, fisheries, and natural resources.

The agreement was signed on behalf of the Government of the Sultanate of Oman by Dr Saud bin Hamoud Al Habsi, Minister of Agricultural, Fisheries and Water Resources, and on behalf of the FAO by Dr Qu Dongyu, Director-General of the Organisation, in the presence of His Highness Sayyid Nazar Al Julanda Majid Alsaid, Oman's Ambassador to the Italian Republic, along with several officials from both sides.

Dr Al Habsi said that the signing of the agreement reflects the Organisation’s pivotal regional and international role in shaping public policies related to agriculture, livestock, food security, food safety, rural development and natural resource management.

The Minister added that the agreement marks an important milestone in the course of cooperation with the FAO, expressing the hope that the partnership would attract more projects and maximise the benefit from the Organisation’s expertise, particularly in implementing national programmes and strategies, and facilitating coordination in the sectors overseen by the Ministry.

Dr Thaer Yaseen, Head of the FAO Mission to the Sultanate of Oman, said that the signing of the agreement to establish an FAO office in Oman is a strategic step that enhances the Organisation’s ability to fulfil its mission in supporting member states to achieve more efficient, inclusive, sustainable, and resilient food systems.