Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev met with Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Qu Dongyu on 6 October.
The FAO chief arrived in Uzbekistan to attend an international conference dedicated to World Cotton Day, as well as the Second Forum on the Development of Agrifood Systems in Developing Landlocked Countries.
The talks focused on further developing Uzbekistan’s strategic partnership with FAO in food security and agriculture.
The sides noted the results of practical cooperation achieved in recent years. As part of the partnership, a new five-year cooperation programme has been approved, while 27 joint projects are currently under active implementation.
The meeting also highlighted Uzbekistan’s election for the first time to the FAO Council for the 2028–2029 term. In addition, the Agro-Innovation Hub for landlocked countries is scheduled to be launched in Tashkent on 7 October.
Particular attention was paid to the practical implementation of the new cooperation programme and the development of a forward-looking portfolio of joint projects.
Priority areas include the digitalization of agriculture and the use of artificial intelligence in the agricultural sector, attracting climate finance, exchanging experience and training specialists.
At the end of the meeting, Qu Dongyu presented Shavkat Mirziyoyev with FAO’s highest award, the Agricola Medal.
The award was presented in recognition of the Uzbekistan president’s initiatives and achievements in ensuring food security and developing agriculture and water management.
The Agricola Medal was established by FAO in 1977.
It is awarded to outstanding figures for their commitment and practical actions aimed at achieving universal goals such as eradicating hunger and ensuring food security.
