Pakistan has reaffirmed its commitment to working with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) on farming and food security. On Thursday, Rana Tanveer Hussain, minister for national food security and research, said Pakistan would continue to cooperate closely with the FAO to achieve sustainable agricultural growth, improve food security and raise farmers' incomes. No specific projects or funding commitments were announced.

The minister met Robert Simpson, the FAO's deputy regional representative for Asia and the Pacific, and Rebekah Bell, the FAO's representative in Pakistan. They discussed Pakistan's agricultural priorities and ways to expand cooperation on sustainable food systems, agricultural development and support for farmers.

Mr Hussain thanked the FAO for its continuing support and said international partnerships are important for addressing new challenges in agriculture. He called for greater knowledge-sharing, technical cooperation, research and innovation to increase productivity and make the food system more resilient.

He also discussed opportunities for Pakistan to participate further in FAO programmes promoting sustainable and resilient farming. He highlighted modern technology, climate-smart agriculture, better food processing and initiatives led by young people as sources of new opportunities across the agricultural supply chain.

The two sides discussed strengthening links between institutions and identifying practical areas for cooperation to support Pakistan's agricultural development.

The minister said lasting cooperation with international partners could help adapt technical expertise and international best practice to Pakistan's needs. He expressed hope that continued engagement would strengthen Pakistan's long-standing partnership with the FAO.

The meeting was mainly about general aims rather than concrete actions. Whether it leads to practical results will become clear only if specific projects are agreed.