Tehran:Iran is poised to enhance its scientific, trade, and investment cooperation in agriculture with regional and international partners, as stated by Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs, Kazem Gharibabadi. He emphasized the role of agricultural diplomacy in securing sustainable food supplies.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Gharibabadi made these remarks during a World Food Day conference. He highlighted that food security hinges on access to sufficient, safe, and affordable food, noting that geopolitical crises, wars, climate change, drought, resource constraints, and supply-chain disruptions threaten millions globally.

Gharibabadi described agriculture as a crucial element of national security, independence, development, and stability. He proposed that cooperation in agriculture could foster trust, strengthen international relations, and ease tensions. Iran's climate diversity, skilled workforce, and research institutions were identified as strong foundations for building partnerships.

He outlined priority areas such as technology transfer, joint research, investment in agricultural infrastructure, efficient water use, and sustainable supply chains. He stressed the necessity of regional cooperation to address water shortages, drought, and dust storms through improved water management, low-water farming methods, knowledge-sharing, and early-warning systems.

Gharibabadi warned against the use of food, water, and medicine as political tools, pointing out that wars and unilateral sanctions disrupt production and trade. He declared Iran's readiness to collaborate with interested countries and international organizations, including the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), to promote food security. Despite infrastructure damage during recent conflicts, Iran has maintained its food security, he noted.