Dubai-UAE: 28 June, 2022 – The UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) and the Department of Agriculture of the Philippines today signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to step up collaboration in developing the agricultural sector in both countries.
The scope covers multiple areas, including soil science and management, biotechnology, post-harvest transactions, agricultural research and development (R&D), agricultural innovation, protected agriculture technology, and irrigation and water resources.
The agreement aligns with the strategic direction of the UAE leadership to enhance international cooperation and exchange of successful experiences with the aim of strengthening the country’s capabilities to face all challenges and building a better, more sustainable future.
The MoU was signed by Eng Nourah Karam, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for the Food Diversity Sector at MOCCAE, and Her Excellency Hjayceelyn M. Quintana, Ambassador of the Philippines to the UAE.
Speaking on the new partnership, Eng Karam said: “MOCCAE is keen to build bridges of cooperation with the concerned authorities in other countries as part of its efforts to achieve the country’s goals in food security, environmental protection, and climate action. The agreement with the Philippines Department of Agriculture focuses on identifying innovative solutions that strengthen food security by implementing technology, adopting modern climate-smart agricultural systems, increasing food production, and ensuring the continuity of supply chains.”
She added: “Sharing knowledge and best practices between our two countries, who rely on innovation to deal with challenges, will help us build sustainable food systems and meet our food security targets. We look forward to cooperating with our counterparts in the Philippines, and are confident this partnership will bring us mutual benefits.”
For her part, Her Excellency Hjayceelyn M. Quintana said: “As we grapple with the effects of climate change and conflicts on our food security, this MoU on agriculture puts Philippines-UAE relations at a higher level. The Philippines, being one of the countries most affected by climate change, views the signing of this agreement as timely and relevant, as both sides mark the 48th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations this year. The MoU sets up a Joint Committee, where officials of the Philippines and the UAE will set directions for cooperation in soil science and management, biotechnology, post-harvest, agriculture R&D, agri-innovation, irrigation and water resources.”
Under the MoU, the two parties will share technical, scientific, and legal information on agriculture, exchange visits of experts and trainees, organize training workshops, seminars, and conferences, and run joint R&D programs.
To achieve the objectives of the agreement, a joint committee will be formed to coordinate between the two entities. The committee will meet periodically to set priorities and develop action plans for the targeted projects, and will submit annual reports on the achievements.
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