The Islamic Organization for Food Security
(IOFS) has expanded its membership to 43 countries, marking a strategic
enlargement across Central Asia and the Caucasus. Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan,
which signed the IOFS Statute during a ceremony held in Baku, are expected to
deepen cooperation with the organization in the areas of agricultural
innovation and food system resilience.
The Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS), the specialized institution of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) focused on food security, welcomed two major agricultural nations into its structure during the ceremony in Baku. With the accession of Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan, the total number of IOFS member states has reached 43, a development regarded as a significant milestone in strengthening agricultural cooperation among OIC member countries.
The signing ceremony was held within the framework of the 19th Azerbaijan International Agriculture Exhibition and Forum (Caspian Agro). The event was attended by IOFS Director General Ambassador Berik Aryn, Azerbaijan’s Minister of Agriculture Majnun Mammadov, and Uzbekistan’s Minister of Agriculture Ibrokhim Abdurakhmonov. Also present at the ceremony were OIC General Secretariat representative Noura Al-Zahrani and Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to Baku Alim Bayel.
Cooperation focused on agricultural
potential and technology
The membership of Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan is expected to significantly strengthen the organization’s agricultural industry development and innovation capacity. In line with the agricultural potential of both countries, cooperation initiatives have already been launched in several areas, including agricultural innovation and value chain management, combating transboundary pests, digital water resource management, environmentally sustainable agricultural practices, regional food system resilience, and knowledge sharing.
Through their membership, both countries will be able to benefit more extensively from technical cooperation, policy dialogue, and regional initiatives aimed at strengthening food security.
Call to other member states
Following the accession of Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan, IOFS also called on other OIC countries that have not yet joined the organization to become part of the multilateral platform. The organization emphasized that the membership process provides countries with access to a shared pool of expertise, coordinated technical assistance, and strategic investment partnerships.
The Islamic Organization for Food Security continues to pursue its commitment to building inclusive and sustainable food systems across the OIC geography, with the goal of ensuring regional food supply security.