From Damascus... Hani launches a roadmap to strengthen agricultural cooperation between Lebanon and Syria

Lebanese Agriculture Minister Dr. Nizar Hani affirmed, during an official visit to the Syrian capital Damascus, that Lebanon and Syria have a genuine opportunity to establish a strategic agricultural partnership capable of strengthening food security and supporting sustainable development in the region, stressing that the next phase requires moving from traditional coordination to practical cooperation based on the integration of resources and the exchange of expertise.

Hani made the remarks while taking part in the opening of the international exhibition and conference for the agriculture, food and industry sectors, "AgriTEK Syria," where he joined a ministerial dialogue session on the future of agriculture and food security in the Arab Mashreq, alongside Syrian Agriculture Minister Eng. Basel Sweidan, Syrian Minister of Economy and Industry Dr. Nidal al-Shaar, as well as representatives of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Food Programme.

The Lebanese minister stressed that food security has become a pillar of economic and social stability, considering that confronting challenges linked to climate change and the management of natural resources requires broader regional cooperation and investment in modern agricultural technologies, in a way that ensures sustainable production and supports farmers.

On the sidelines of the visit, Hani held an expanded meeting with his Syrian counterpart devoted to discussing mechanisms for developing agricultural cooperation between the two countries. The two sides discussed coordinating agricultural policies, exchanging technical and scientific expertise, boosting plant and animal production, and removing obstacles hindering the movement of agricultural products across the border.

Hani revealed an agreement to work on preparing a joint agricultural protocol aimed at regulating the flow of agricultural products between Lebanon and Syria, unifying technical and administrative procedures, and facilitating the passage of trucks, particularly during the vegetable and fruit seasons, in a way that protects producers' interests and enhances agricultural trade between the two countries.

For his part, Syrian Minister Basel Sweidan affirmed that relations between Damascus and Beirut constitute a solid foundation for developing agricultural cooperation, outlining Syrian plans aimed at modernizing the agricultural sector through expanding the use of modern irrigation techniques and renewable energy, developing legislation and laboratories, and strengthening investment in agricultural and livestock resources.

The Lebanese and Syrian delegations also reviewed the latest agricultural innovations and food industries featured at the "AgriTEK Syria" exhibition, where Hani praised the Lebanese participation, considering it a reflection of the Lebanese agricultural sector's ability to compete and of the presence of Lebanese products in Arab markets despite the challenges.

The visit concluded with an agreement to activate meetings of the joint technical agricultural committees between the two countries and to continue coordination in the fields of scientific research, plant and animal health, food processing, and agricultural extension, in a way that strengthens agricultural integration and serves food security and economic development in Lebanon and Syria.