Muscat: As part of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa's state visit to the Sultanate of Oman, Bahrain and Oman have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) focusing on municipal work, agriculture, livestock production, and food security. This agreement was forged at the invitation of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik of Oman, marking a significant step towards enhancing bilateral cooperation between the two nations.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the agreements were signed by Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani representing Bahrain and Qais Al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion, on behalf of Oman. Wael bin Nasser Al Mubarak, Minister of Municipalities and Agriculture Affairs, underscored the strong ties between Bahrain and Oman, noting that the executive programme for municipal work aims to facilitate the exchange of information, expertise, and strategic studies in municipal affairs.
The MoU also seeks to bolster the agriculture and livestock sectors, improve food security, and foster agricultural research. It encourages bilateral cooperation to promote sustainable farming practices, advanced agricultural techniques, and infrastructure development, including irrigation and market access. The agreement further outlines cooperation in tree planting and the exchange of plant genetic resources, particularly mangrove trees, and supports organising joint exhibitions and inviting investors to participate in agricultural processing industries.
In animal production, the MoU includes collaboration on techniques, animal health, and training to enhance workforce efficiency and disease control, alongside the exchange of information. It also focuses on monitoring genetically modified foods, ensuring consumer safety, and sharing best practices in livestock breeding and farm management.
The MoU extends to food security, promoting joint projects, exchanging studies and innovations, and supporting partnerships between food security companies for joint investment. It also covers microbiological food testing, optimal veterinary medicine use, and collaboration on animal welfare, biosecurity measures, and animal product processing industries.