Uzbekistan proposes to hold a joint forum of the SCO and FAO

According to the Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic, a joint forum of the two organizations can be held in the capital of Uzbekistan as early as November this year.
Uzbekistan proposes to hold a joint forum of member countries of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Tashkent in November, Deputy Prime Minister Jamshid Khodjaev said during a speech at a meeting of SCO agriculture ministers. It is reported by RIA Novosti.
The authorities of the republic believe that the joint forum of the SCO and FAO on soil protection and resource-saving technologies will help to implement projects in these areas.
“We stand for holding a joint forum in the SCO+FAO format on soil-protective, resource-saving technologies in Tashkent in November, the purpose of which is to develop specific projects in these areas,” Khodjaev said.
Uzbekistan positively assesses the further building up of interaction between the SCO and FAO. The cooperation of these two organizations will contribute to increasing the sustainability and efficiency of agriculture, as well as improving the living standards of the rural population.
In addition, the Deputy Prime Minister stressed that the republic is open to deepening cooperation in using the technological potential of the SCO states to invest in research and development projects and create the necessary infrastructure.
“Given the key role and contribution of the food and agriculture sector to the 2030 agenda, the implementation of joint projects and initiatives will also accelerate the achievement of sustainable development goals,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
Recall: Uzbekistan chairs the SCO in 2021-2022.
Currently, the organization, which was established in 2001, includes Uzbekistan, Russia, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, China, India and Pakistan. At the moment, Iran is preparing for full-fledged membership in the SCO. Earlier, Belarus applied to join the organization. Afghanistan and Mongolia are among the observers.