Egypt, Saudi Arabia discuss cooperation in agriculture, food security

CAIRO – 6 June 2026: Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation Alaa Farouk met with Dr. Osama Faqih, Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, to discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation in agriculture, food security, and environmental sustainability.

During the meeting, Farouk underscored the strong historical and brotherly ties between Egypt and Saudi Arabia, reaffirming both countries’ commitment to enhancing coordination and advancing agricultural and environmental integration in support of their sustainable development goals.

The two sides highlighted the importance of coordinating their positions in international forums, particularly regarding the implementation of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). They stressed that such cooperation would serve the interests of both countries and contribute to broader regional objectives.

Officials also agreed on the need to establish a permanent joint technical committee between the two ministries of agriculture to oversee and monitor areas of cooperation and coordinate preparations for the upcoming UNCCD conference in Mongolia later this year.

The meeting further emphasized the significance of maintaining regular sessions of the Egyptian-Saudi Joint Coordination Committee, co-chaired by the agriculture ministers of both countries. The committee will continue to follow developments in the agricultural sector and support efforts aimed at achieving greater integration and food security.

Farouk invited Saudi officials, technical experts, and investors to visit Egyptian agricultural and poultry production facilities that export to international markets, highlighting their adherence to strict quality and biosecurity standards. He also called for expanding mutual investments across various agricultural sectors.

The minister stressed the strategic value of joint Egyptian-Saudi agricultural investments in Africa, citing the continent’s extensive arable land and abundant water resources. He noted that increasing investments in Africa could help strengthen regional food security and address challenges posed by climate change and disruptions to global supply chains.

Farouk added that combining Egypt’s agricultural expertise with Saudi investment capabilities could foster sustainable development partnerships that benefit the wider region.

At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides agreed to move forward with renewing their cooperation agreement in veterinary services, aimed at facilitating livestock trade and enhancing animal health protection. They also discussed opportunities for collaboration in improving cattle, sheep, and goat breeds, while exploring ways to benefit from Egypt’s experience in land reclamation and agricultural development.