Four Agreements Signed on Food Safety

Four Food Safety Agreements Signed Agriculture and Forestry Minister Bekir Pakdemirli received Goshgar Tahmazli, Head of the Azerbaijan Food Safety Agency, and his delegation at the General Directorate of Forestry (OGM). Following bilateral discussions, four agreements were signed: the Food Safety Cooperation Agreement between Turkey and Azerbaijan, a Statement of Intent on Food Safety Cooperation between the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and the Azerbaijan Food Safety Agency, a Joint Action Plan on Food Safety Cooperation, and a Memorandum of Understanding on Plant Health Cooperation between the General Directorate of Agricultural Research and Policies (TAGEM) and the Azerbaijan Food Safety Institute (AGGE). In his remarks, Pakdemirli stated that they stand by Azerbaijan, a brother nation in war and peace, adding that they were perhaps the first ministry to initiate work in agriculture and animal husbandry in the region following the Karabakh victory. Emphasizing that Turkey ranks first globally in agricultural output, Pakdemirli said: "Turkey has dynamism and success. As a ministry, we always support our farmers and producers. We attach importance to mutual knowledge exchange with friendly and brother nations." Pakdemirli cited examples of work conducted with his Azerbaijani counterparts, stating: "These efforts are important in terms of EU legislative alignment. Today we signed 4 agreements. As a result of these agreements, I believe our work will develop further and our areas of cooperation will become more concrete. We are ready for all types of cooperation with Azerbaijan in the field of food safety."

"Steps to Be Taken Together Are Important"

Tahmazli noted that very important agreements for both nations were signed today, remarking: "These signatures are the fruit of Turkey and Azerbaijan's labour. Information was exchanged on food hazards. Henceforth, the two nations will provide information exchange on this matter. Certain steps were determined regarding animal, plant and food hazards, and in establishing food import-export standards." he said. Tahmazli added that in the face of food hazards caused by the coronavirus pandemic worldwide, the steps the two nations will take together will be very important. Source