Oman and FAO sign pact to establish office in Muscat
ROME: The Sultanate of Oman and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations signed an agreement in Rome to open a permanent FAO Representation in Muscat.
This step strengthens Oman's participation in global discussions on food, climate, and water, enhances technical cooperation, and supports the implementation of joint initiatives in agriculture, fisheries, and natural resource management.
The agreement was signed by Dr Saud bin Hamoud al Habsi, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, on behalf of Oman, and by FAO Director-General Dr Qu Dongyu, with the presence of HH Sayyid Nizar bin al Julanda al Said, Oman's Ambassador to Italy, and officials from both parties.
Dr Al Habsi said the agreement affirms FAO's pivotal role in shaping international agricultural, livestock, food security, and rural development policies. He expressed hope that the partnership would increase project inflows and leverage FAO's expertise to implement national strategies and enhance coordination across sectors under the Ministry's purview.
Dr Thaer Yassin, Head of FAO's mission in Oman, described the agreement as a strategic step that will strengthen the organisation's ability to assist member states in building sustainable, inclusive, and resilient food systems. He stressed that a permanent office will expand the scope of technical cooperation and promote knowledge exchange at both national and regional levels.
Since 2012, FAO has implemented a range of agricultural and fisheries projects in Oman with a focus on sustainability and climate adaptation. Between 2022 and 2024, its project portfolio in the Sultanate grew by 83%, reflecting deepening trust and collaborative ties with government bodies, academia, and the private sector.
Oman is now positioned as a strategic partner in FAO's regional drive to transform food systems across the Gulf. The agreement underscores the country's rising international profile and its commitment to sustainable agriculture, food security, and rural development. It also supports progress towards multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially in ending hunger, climate action, and land conservation. — ONA
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