Special importance should be given to cooperation on bilateral and multilateral platforms to eliminate existing difficulties in Azerbaijan's agricultural sector, produce quality goods, and ensure food security, Azerbaijani Minister of Agriculture, Majnun Mammadov, said, Report informs, citing the ministry.
He made the remark at the Agricultural Diplomacy Seminar organized within the framework of the 4th Agriculture and Forestry Council held in Ankara, Türkiye.
Mammadov noted that improving the material welfare of farmers, who are the main driving force of the sector, should always be kept at the center of attention: "Agreements reached on bilateral and multilateral platforms should not remain on paper; we should move from paper diplomacy to concrete action and implementation diplomacy. In other words, all states should place special importance on financial allocation to successfully implement global initiatives and achieve sustainable development in the agricultural sector."
The minister added that the agricultural reforms implemented by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev envisage further development of agriculture, and the state implements very large support measures for this purpose. As a result of these measures, the living standards of farmers are improving, and sustainable development of the agricultural sector is ensured.
He further stated that the Azerbaijani territories that were under occupation for 30 years have been mined, water sources polluted, and the environment greatly damaged: "After Azerbaijan liberated its lands from occupation, large-scale restoration and reconstruction work is being carried out in those areas. The goal is to efficiently use the agricultural potential of these territories, rebuild the destroyed agricultural infrastructure, and give new life to these lands. The most modern agricultural innovations are being applied in this process."
Mammadov also pointed out that Azerbaijan actively benefits from the experience of Türkiye, which has rich experience and modern technologies in the agricultural field, and a number of successful projects are being implemented within the framework of agricultural cooperation between the two countries.
According to him, global climate change – droughts, floods, and fires – creates serious threats for the agricultural sector and significant risks for ensuring countries' food security.
Recalling the successful organization of the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change in Baku last November, the minister highlighted that all states should take seriously their commitments regarding climate change and actively work to implement the initiatives they have adopted in this area.
Türkiye's Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Ibrahim Yumakli, in turn, said that ensuring food security against the background of global climate change is one of the main priorities.
Evaluating agriculture as a strategic sector, Yumakli emphasized the special importance of supporting small businesses, applying climate-resistant technologies and practices, and efficient use of water in response to modern challenges, and noted that cooperation and exchange of experience with other countries continue in this regard.