Rome:Iran's partnership with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is expanding despite sanctions and political pressure from Western countries, according to Iran's permanent representative to the agency.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Ali Kiani-Rad stated at the From Seeds to Foods exhibition in Rome that hostile countries' pressure has not led FAO to diminish its cooperation with Iran. He emphasized that FAO's commitment has intensified since the imposition of war, and attempts to politicize the organization's work have not succeeded in diverting it from its mission to serve all member states.

Kiani-Rad noted that FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu visited Iran's exhibition booth, underscoring Iran's significance and agricultural potential. The director-general advised turning external constraints into opportunities to enhance domestic capabilities.

At the exhibition, which runs from October 8 to 12 at Rome's Circus Maximus, Iran is featuring dates, pistachios, and saffron, along with cultural programs. Recipes for 35 traditional Iranian dishes have been prepared in English and Italian, with a live cooking demonstration scheduled for October 11, followed by local music and agricultural films on October 12.

Kiani-Rad also mentioned that Iran plans to participate in future FAO events, including the World Food Forum and the Committee on World Food Security, as part of Tehran's strategy to increase its presence in international technical organizations and leverage their capacities to promote national interests and food security.

The ongoing exhibition in Rome includes around 140 countries and over 300 exhibitors.