Muscat:Asim Abdullatif Abdulla, Undersecretary of Agriculture and Animal Wealth Affairs at the Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture, participated in the sixth session of the International Dates Council held in Muscat, Sultanate of Oman.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the session focused on enhancing international cooperation within the palm and dates sector. It reviewed the council's latest work and strategic initiatives, and addressed organizational matters on the agenda. Additionally, the council's 2026 annual report was discussed, along with progress in implementing its strategic plan and improving institutional efficiency. Members also elected the executive committee for the new term.
Undersecretary Abdulla emphasized the council's role in uniting efforts and strengthening cooperation among member states to develop the palm and dates sector. He highlighted its significance to food security and sustainable economic and agricultural development. Abdulla stressed the importance of adopting modern agricultural technologies, enhancing quality and added value of dates, and expanding marketing opportunities to bolster competitiveness and sustainability in the sector.
He praised the council's efforts to foster coordination and cooperation among member states, reflecting a collective commitment to advancing agricultural development. Abdulla also expressed Bahrain's pride in hosting the International Dates Observatory's headquarters, supporting the council's objectives by providing data, facilitating knowledge exchange, and promoting sustainable development in the sector.
The Undersecretary underscored Bahrain's dedication to improving the palm and dates sector through good agricultural practices, preserving local varieties, and using modern technologies and scientific research. He also highlighted support for small and medium-sized enterprises in date production, processing, and marketing.
Abdulla concluded by emphasizing the importance of technical cooperation and exchanging successful experiences among member states. Developing joint initiatives to address agricultural priorities would enhance resource utilization, strengthen food security, and support agricultural sustainability.