To secure sustainable foundations for future agricultural research

• Both sides decided to establish a Korea-UAE Agricultural Cooperation Center
• The MoU aims at enhancing cooperation in joint agricultural research
• Al Ameri: We seek to expand agricultural research programs between the two countries
• Kim: The MoU is an opportunity to overcome several environmental challenges

Abu Dhabi: The Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) signed, on Tuesday, a memorandum of understanding with the Korea Rural Development Administration (KRDA), to strengthen cooperation in agricultural research and modern technology, which supports the agricultural sector in Abu Dhabi. Held at its headquarters in Abu Dhabi, the signing ceremony attended by HE Saeed Al Bahri Salem Al Ameri, Director-General of ADAFSA, Mr. Kyeong Kyu Kim, Administrator of KRDA, and several officials and experts of both sides. The MoU aims at securing sustainable foundations for future agricultural research in response to climate change, as well as achieving comprehensive agricultural development in the two friendly countries. The move comes to meet the aspirations of the two friendly countries' leadership to open up new prospects for cooperation and establish mutually beneficial partnerships in more fields for the well-being of their countries and peoples.

During the signing ceremony, HE Saeed Al Ameri, said: "The MoU is part of our mutual efforts with South Korea in the field of agricultural development. It reflects our desire to expand cooperation and establish a long-term partnership based on exchanging of expertise and knowledge through the agricultural research programs between the two countries. The MoU aims at coordinating capacity-building activities in complementary agricultural research and areas of common interest. This will be based on mutual understanding and in accordance with all regulations and laws of both sides."

Al Ameri indicated that the MoU will contribute to undertaking joint activities to overcome challenges facing the agricultural sector in the two countries, and enhance food security system. The MoU will allow exchanging of experts to carry out training and technical support activities, enable researchers by providing them with facilities, equipment and laboratories, and lead to co-publishing scientific research papers and educational books of projects resulting from this cooperation, he added.

For his side, Mr. Kyeong Kyu Kim expressed his happiness for enhancing cooperation with the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, represented by ADAFSA, in areas of agricultural sustainability by signing this MoU. He added that both organizations have decided to establish a Korea-UAE Agricultural Cooperation Center, to promote the convenience of research and overcome several challenges, such as water scarcity and climate change.

"The two sides' priorities include carrying out research that can minimize and improve the quality of water used in the agricultural sector, enhancing the role of smart farms, and increasing production efficiency," he said.

The signing of the MoU is part of ADAFSA's efforts in carrying out applied studies and research related, promoting sustainable agricultural development by protecting the natural resources, improving extension services, and cooperating with studies and research centers, universities and organizations concerned with agriculture, food safety and bio-security. It also comes within its role in concluding agreements and memorandums of understanding with the relevant authorities.

ADAFSA is the local authority in charge of agriculture, food safety, food security and biosecurity in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. It aims to develop a sustainable agriculture and food sector and protect the animal and plant health, to enhance the biosecurity and achieve food security. The authority is also responsible for preparing plans, programs and activities in the fields of agriculture, food safety and food security.

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© Press Release 2019