Riyadh and Beirut seek to strengthen cooperation in agriculture

Lebanese Agriculture Minister Nizar Hani and Saudi Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Abdulrahman bin Abdulmohsen al-Fadli agreed during a phone call to explore ways to enhance cooperation between Lebanon and Saudi Arabia in the agricultural sector.

A videoconference meeting has been scheduled between officials from both ministries "to examine areas of cooperation, define strategic priorities and establish a framework for the current and future phases."

An upcoming meeting of the Lebanese-Saudi Joint Agricultural Commission is also planned "to address the technical and procedural aspects related to agricultural trade, continue coordination on phytosanitary requirements and put in place operational mechanisms aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation."

The Saudi minister emphasized that the quality of agricultural products imported into Saudi Arabia is a priority. No timetable has been provided.

Saudi Arabia and Lebanon have entered a new phase in their diplomatic relations following Riyadh's June 10 decision to lift the embargo on Lebanese exports, ending a five-year ban amid regional tensions involving Iran and Hezbollah.