H.E Prof. Ibrahim Adam El-Dukhiri, Director-General of AOAD, visited the FAO Regional Office for Near East and North Africa, in Cairo, Egypt, on the 19th of October 2017. H. E Prof. El Dukhiri was received by Dr. Abdessalam Ould Ahmed, FAO Assistant Director and Regional Representative for the NENA Region.

A partnership agreement was signed between both sides to strengthen the joint efforts, aiming at achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Africa and the Middle East.

The two sides agreed that this meeting represents a great opportunity to exchange views and reinforce the joint programs between the two organizations. They also agreed on launching a project developing the date palm trees sector and to revitalize the date industry and reduce losses in the countries of the region. The two sides stressed the importance of using modern technologies in the control of date palm diseases in particular the red palm weevil and offering support and technical advice.

In conclusion, the two sides affirmed that they will follow-up the implementation of the agreement serving the issues of SDGs and food security in the Arab world.