On March 14, 2022 representatives of the Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS) and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) held an online meeting to discuss furthering of the bilateral cooperation between the two Institutions, particularly in the sphere of joint implementation of IsDB Afghanistan Humanitarian Trust Fund (AHTF) and IOFS Afghanistan Food Security Programme (AFSP).
Afghanistan Humanitarian Trust Fund approved and established by the OIC Foreign Ministers, is a trust fund under the chairmanship of the IsDB President, H.E. Dr. Muhammad Al Jasser, aims to serve as a vehicle to channel humanitarian and development assistance to Afghanistan. The Adviser and Special Envoy of the IsDB President on Afghanistan Mr. Mohammad J. Alsaati noted that the AHTF programm is expected to be presented during the 48th Session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers will be held in Islamabad, on 22-23 March 2022. IsDB Special Envoy also highlighted that the Trust Fund will be supported by OIC member states, Islamic financial institutions, donors, and other international partners through providing pledges and contributions to mitigate a looming humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan which has left millions facing hunger over the last years.
During the meeting HE Mr. Yerlan Baidaulet provided an overview on IOFS key strategic vision, activities and mission. Other highlights during the meeting included discussing IOFS activities in Food Crisis Response, urgency of identifying emergencies to provide social safety nets and humanitarian assistance to stabilize food insecurity situation in Afghanistan and supporting the country through the implementation of the Afghanistan Food Security Program (AFSP) under the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers mandate.
Parties exchanged views on enhancing relationships aimed at extending joint initiatives within AFSP and AHTF and expressed willingness to explore feasible areas of cooperation to consider joint efforts towards implementing IOFS’s strategic objectives in enhancing sustainable food security through providing necessary emergency and humanitarian assistance in Afghanistan.
