Lebanese Minister and Saudi Ambassador Discuss Boosting Agricultural Cooperation and Export Resumption

As part of ongoing efforts by the Ministry of Agriculture to strengthen agricultural cooperation with Arab countries and expand market opportunities for Lebanese products, Minister of Agriculture Nizar Hani received the Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Lebanon, Fahd bin Abdulrahman Al-Dosari. The meeting focused on ways to develop bilateral cooperation in the agricultural sector, enhance partnership between the two countries, and activate technical coordination and experience exchange mechanisms in areas including agricultural production, plant and animal health, and food safety, aligning with the best international standards and practices.

The discussion also covered practical measures aimed at fulfilling the necessary requirements to create suitable conditions for resuming and expanding Lebanese agricultural exports to Saudi Arabia. These measures are intended to ensure smooth trade exchange under the highest quality and safety standards, strengthen the presence of Lebanese products in Gulf markets, support farmers, stimulate the agricultural economy, and increase the added value of national production.

Minister Hani briefed the Saudi ambassador on the progress of communications and coordination between the Lebanese and Saudi Ministries of Agriculture, which have seen notable technical advancements recently. Agreements include establishing official contact points between both sides and forming a specialized technical working group from the Lebanese Ministry of Agriculture comprising experts in plant and animal production, agricultural and veterinary quarantine, and agricultural industries. Additionally, a joint electronic platform has been created to facilitate direct communication and follow-up on technical files.

The minister noted that this cooperation has resulted in a series of virtual meetings involving senior officials and technical experts from both countries. These meetings led to the launch of a joint technical work track aimed at completing all technical and regulatory requirements necessary to resume agricultural trade exchanges, alongside developing a clear roadmap detailing implementation phases and follow-up mechanisms.

Specialized meetings between the plant and veterinary quarantine teams from both countries were held, during which they agreed to exchange essential technical information and data to facilitate agricultural trade flows and ensure full compliance with approved health and regulatory requirements. Regarding food manufacturing products, it was confirmed that this matter is being followed up in coordination with the relevant authorities in Saudi Arabia.

Minister Hani explained that periodic technical meetings between the teams continue to monitor progress, evaluate implemented procedures, and complete technical and administrative aspects related to control systems, biosecurity, agricultural and veterinary quarantine, and tracking systems. These efforts aim to guarantee product safety, quality, and conformity with approved specifications, thereby enhancing external markets’ confidence in Lebanese agricultural products.

Dr. Hani emphasized that regaining Arab markets, especially the Saudi market, is a strategic priority for the Ministry of Agriculture due to its importance for Lebanese farmers and the national economy. He stressed the continuation of close coordination with the relevant Saudi authorities to complete all technical and procedural requirements, paving the way for the sustainable resumption of Lebanese agricultural exports. This approach is intended to build trust in Lebanese products and consolidate their competitive position in Arab, regional, and international markets.

For his part, the Saudi ambassador affirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to ongoing cooperation and coordination with the Lebanese Ministry of Agriculture. He highlighted that this collaboration aims to strengthen bilateral relations and develop agricultural partnership between the two countries, based on adherence to technical and health standards that ensure product safety and quality, and facilitate the movement of agricultural trade between Saudi Arabia and Lebanon.