Manama: Wael Al Mubarak, Minister of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture, received Dr. Mamoon Al Alawi, Executive Secretary of the Commission for Controlling the Desert Locust in the Central Region of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). The meeting was attended by Asim Abdullatif Abdulla, Undersecretary for Agriculture and Animal Wealth Affairs, along with several ministry officials.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the visit is part of the preparations for the upcoming 34th Session of the Commission for Controlling the Desert Locust in the Central Region, which is set to be hosted by Bahrain in December. The minister emphasized Bahrain's dedication to collaborating with the commission to support regional efforts in combating the desert locust, a significant threat to agricultural resources and food security.
During the meeting, Al Mubarak reiterated Bahrain's support for the commission's initiatives and assured the Kingdom's readiness to facilitate the necessary arrangements for the success of the commission's 34th session. He highlighted the importance of Arab and regional cooperation, as well as enhanced coordination among member states.
The discussions also covered various issues of mutual interest and explored future cooperation opportunities, particularly in developing early warning systems, strengthening data and information exchange, building national capacities, and utilizing modern technologies for monitoring and risk analysis to improve regional preparedness and response to desert locust outbreaks.
Dr. Al Alawi expressed his gratitude for Bahrain's ongoing support for the commission and its efforts to promote regional cooperation. He conveyed his best wishes for the Kingdom's continued success in these endeavors.