During the 5th Consultative Meeting of the Islamic Committee of the International Crescent in Jeddah on July 24, 2023, the Islamic Organization of Food Security (IOFS) delegation engaged in discussions with the Organisation for Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Islamic Solidarity Fund (ISF). The focus of these meetings was to enhance coordination and engagement within OIC institutions, particularly regarding the IOFS's humanitarian efforts in Afghanistan and Africa. The delegation discussed the latest developments related to the Afghanistan Food Security Programme, including the Humanitarian Food Convoy of April 2023 and food assistance provided to Drug Addicted Treatment Centers in Kabul, in collaboration with the United Nations.
During their visit to the OIC headquarters, the IOFS delegation met with key representatives, including Ambassador Tarig Ali Bakheet, Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian, Cultural, and Social Affairs. They exchanged views on self-sustainable agricultural projects and the organization's support for the development of the private sector in agribusiness engagements. The delegation also discussed plans for cereal cultivation and processing in Afghanistan. Ambassador Bakheet praised the IOFS for its recent humanitarian food assistance achievements in the country.
In addition to the OIC meetings, the IOFS delegation paid a courtesy call to Ambassador Musa Kulaklıkaya, Assistant Secretary-General for Administration and Finance, to discuss the recent status of IOFS memberships from the OIC Member States. The delegation expressed support for expanding the activities of IOFS, and Ambassador Kulaklıkaya reiterated his commitment to the organization's mission. Finally, the IOFS delegation met with Executive Director Dr Ibrahim Al Khuzaym of the Islamic Solidarity Fund. They emphasized the significance of intra-OIC cooperation and discussed the need to support ISF in implementing developmental projects across the Islamic world. Both parties agreed to develop result-oriented programs to assist the neediest in common areas of intervention.
