Saudi & Syrian Ministers Discuss Cooperation In Agriculture Sector

Post by : Mumtaaz Qadiri

The Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture of Saudi Arabia, Engineer Abdulrahman bin Abdulmohsen Al Fadley, held an important meeting in Riyadh with the Minister of Agriculture of Syria, Dr. Amjad Badr. The Syrian minister was on an official visit to the Kingdom, and the two sides used the occasion to talk about how to strengthen cooperation in agriculture and food security.

Focus On Agriculture And Food Security

The main subject of the talks was how both countries can work together in agriculture and food production. Agriculture is a vital sector for both Saudi Arabia and Syria, as it ensures a steady supply of food for their people. Food security, which means making sure that citizens always have access to enough safe and healthy food, was also at the heart of the discussion.

Private Sector Role Discussed

Another key part of the meeting was about the private sector. The two ministers spoke about how private companies and investors could play a stronger role in supporting agricultural development. By involving the private sector, both countries believe they can boost efficiency, create jobs, and expand new opportunities in farming and food production.

Strengthening Trade And Investment

The ministers also looked into how to strengthen trade and investment relations. They agreed that cooperation should not remain only on paper but must translate into real projects that benefit both nations. With stronger trade in agricultural products and investment in farming technology, Saudi Arabia and Syria can help each other grow economically.

Importance Of The Meeting

This meeting was more than just a formal exchange. It represented a step toward rebuilding and strengthening ties between Saudi Arabia and Syria in a sector that directly impacts the lives of millions of people. Agriculture is not only about food but also about economic growth, rural development, and sustainability. By choosing to focus on this sector, both countries showed their awareness of its long-term importance.

Agriculture As A Common Interest

Both Saudi Arabia and Syria have strong reasons to prioritize agriculture. For Syria, agriculture has historically been one of the most important sectors of its economy, providing jobs and food security for its people. For Saudi Arabia, although much of its land is desert, the country has invested heavily in agricultural technology, irrigation systems, and food imports to secure its needs. This makes cooperation between the two countries both useful and practical.

Saudi Arabia’s Agricultural Vision

Saudi Arabia has been working under its Vision 2030 strategy to diversify its economy and reduce dependence on oil. One of the areas where it wants to grow is agriculture and food security. By sharing knowledge, investing in technology, and building partnerships, the Kingdom aims to strengthen its capacity to produce and secure food. Cooperating with Syria fits well within this long-term vision.

Syria’s Agricultural Needs

Syria, after years of conflict, faces challenges in its agricultural sector. Farms and infrastructure need rebuilding, and farmers need support to return to full productivity. Working with Saudi Arabia can bring in investment, technology, and expertise that will help Syria recover and expand its agricultural output. This cooperation can help Syrian farmers increase production and improve the quality of crops.

Food Security As A Global Issue

The focus on food security during the meeting was especially important. Around the world, many countries are facing challenges with food supplies because of climate change, population growth, and economic instability. For Saudi Arabia and Syria, working together means they can face these global challenges with stronger strategies and partnerships.

Potential Areas Of Cooperation

The discussions between the two ministers open the door to cooperation in many areas. These may include:

• Sharing knowledge on modern farming techniques.
• Investing in agricultural research.
• Improving water use and irrigation systems.
• Boosting trade in agricultural products.
• Creating joint projects for food storage and distribution.

Such initiatives would not only strengthen bilateral relations but also ensure long-term benefits for both populations.

Role Of The Private Sector

The ministers agreed that governments alone cannot achieve all the goals in agriculture and food security. Private companies, investors, and farmers themselves must play an active role. The private sector can provide financing, new technology, and management expertise. Encouraging private sector involvement will help turn discussions into real progress on the ground.

Trade Relations Between The Countries

By talking about trade and investment, the ministers highlighted another important point: agriculture can be a strong base for economic relations. Syria produces many agricultural products such as wheat, cotton, fruits, and vegetables. Saudi Arabia, on the other hand, has large markets for food imports and advanced technology in irrigation and farming. By connecting these strengths, both countries can benefit from increased trade.

Benefits For Citizens

This cooperation in agriculture is not only for governments or companies but also for ordinary citizens. With stronger food security, people in both Saudi Arabia and Syria can have more stable access to food at fair prices. Farmers can find more support, and consumers can enjoy more reliable supplies of fresh products.

Symbol Of Rebuilding Relations

The meeting also carried a symbolic value. For many years, Syria has been working to reconnect with countries in the region. By holding such discussions in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia signaled its willingness to work together with Syria in practical and beneficial areas. Agriculture was chosen because it is non-political and focused on improving people’s lives.

Sustainability And Long-Term Goals

Another important element of the talks was sustainability. Both countries understand that agriculture must be developed in a way that protects the environment, saves water, and supports future generations. By planning projects that are sustainable, Saudi Arabia and Syria can avoid short-term fixes and instead build strong foundations for long-lasting food security.

Opportunities For Joint Projects

The meeting may soon lead to practical projects, such as joint research centers, shared investments in greenhouses, or programs for training farmers. If such projects are launched, they will strengthen the partnership even further and create real results that people can see.

International Context       

This cooperation also has a larger international context. Many countries are now looking at regional partnerships to strengthen food security. By showing that they are willing to work together, Saudi Arabia and Syria are also setting an example for other nations in the region.

Both sides expressed their readiness to continue discussions and turn their ideas into action. The meeting was only the beginning of what could become a stronger agricultural partnership. The next steps may include forming committees, drafting agreements, or signing memoranda of understanding to formalize cooperation.

A Step Toward A Strong Future

The talks between Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture and Syria’s Minister of Agriculture were an important step toward cooperation in agriculture and food security. They reflected the shared interests of both countries, the importance of involving the private sector, and the need to strengthen trade and investment. By working together, Saudi Arabia and Syria can help ensure that their people have access to secure and sustainable food supplies in the years to come.

Saudi Syria Agriculture, Food Security Cooperation,. Agricultural Trade Investment