Egypt has reaffirmed its readiness to place its technical and scientific expertise at the service of member states of the Arab Organization for Agricultural Development (AOAD), offering support in capacity-building, technical assistance, and knowledge transfer in key sectors, Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation Alaa Farouq said.
In remarks delivered on his behalf at the 39th ministerial session of the organization’s General Assembly, Farouq said Egypt is prepared to share its experience in land reclamation, water resources management, agricultural research, and modern agricultural technologies, in support of Arab efforts to address food security and climate challenges.
Farouk noted that Egypt has made significant contributions to regional food security, particularly during recent periods of regional instability, and reiterated Cairo’s commitment to strengthening Arab agricultural cooperation. Minister of Agriculture Alaa Farouk praised the AOAD for its leading role in supporting agricultural development through technical programs, initiatives, and capacity-building projects, highlighting Egypt’s close cooperation with the organization and the importance of its regional office in Cairo as a coordination hub for joint activities.
Farouk stressed that food security has become a strategic issue directly linked to national security and socio-economic stability, outlining Egypt’s ongoing efforts to expand agricultural production through major national reclamation projects. These include the New Delta project, which targets the reclamation and cultivation of more than 2.2 million feddans, as well as expansions in Toshka and East Oweinat, and the development of integrated agricultural communities in Central and South Sinai.
These projects are expected to add around 4.5 million feddans to Egypt’s agricultural land, boosting production capacity and reinforcing both national and regional food security. The minister also pointed to Egypt’s efforts to modernize irrigation systems and expand wastewater treatment and reuse projects as part of a broader strategy for sustainable water management amid increasing environmental pressures.
Farouk further highlighted progress in developing grain silos, strengthening agricultural logistics, and securing strategic reserves of essential commodities, alongside policy reforms that have enhanced Egypt’s ability to manage global supply shocks and ensure stable food availability.
Farouk said Egypt has maintained its role as a reliable supplier of agricultural products to Arab markets despite regional and global challenges, underscoring its commitment to supporting food supply stability and advancing Arab agricultural integration. For his part, AOAD Director General Ibrahim El Dikhiri thanked Egypt for hosting the organization’s regional office and staff following the temporary relocation of its headquarters to Cairo, praising its continued support and facilitation that have ensured uninterrupted operations.