Azerbaijan, Israel to expand agricultural cooperation 

Within the visit of a delegation led by Azerbaijani Minister of Agriculture Inam Karimov to Israel, a meeting was held with the Israeli Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Oded Forer, Report informs.

The meeting focused on the discussion of the issues of expanding cooperation in the field of agricultural research, staff training, cooperation in the field of agrarian education, exchange of students and teachers between universities, and increase of trade turnover. The sides also exchanged views on the mutual participation of Azerbaijani and Israeli companies in specialized agricultural exhibitions. It was noted that Israeli companies are interested in participating in the Caspian Agro International Agricultural Exhibition and will participate in the exhibition in a larger format next year.

The delegation visited the Agricultural Research Organization (Volcani Center) (ARO). The prospects of cooperation between the two countries in agricultural research were discussed, and views were exchanged on forming an agrarian database. The presentation for the delegation provided extensive information on the activities of the Center, plant-growing, animal-breeding, and soil science. At the meeting, an agreement was reached between the Volcani Center and the relevant research institutes of Azerbaijan on expanding cooperation in seed production and staff exchange.

The delegation also got acquainted with the activities of Netafim, an Israeli company specialized in the production of modern irrigation systems, a modern livestock complex, a seed enterprise, and a dairy complex, and exchanged views with representatives of local companies.

The Azerbaijani delegation includes representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture and companies operating in the agricultural sector. The delegation took part in the Israel-Azerbaijan Agricultural Business Forum held in Tel Aviv yesterday. Within the forum, bilateral agreements were reached between Azerbaijani and Israeli companies on cooperation in various fields of agriculture.