Minister of Agriculture Abbas al-Haj Hassan, in the caretaker government, addressed the participants at the Arab Ministers of Agriculture meeting held in Cairo, thanking them for their "efforts aimed at unifying visions for sustainable Arab food security and transnational partnerships that outline successful Arab stories, which we seem to have failed to complete in a beautiful image in politics, with all its contradictions and complexities, far from the food security we believe is the gateway for Arab integration to establish joint work from the far East to the far West of the Arab world."
He stated, "I will not delve into the details of what the Arab world possesses of wasted potential in this sector, nor what is required to bridge the gaps and deficiencies, as we will elaborate on that through the meetings held today. But allow me to ask several questions, which we may all find answers to and build upon for tomorrow, if not for today: Do we have the will for joint agricultural work that achieves the interests of each state separately while harmonizing with the interests of partners in the Arab environment? What paths should be followed to achieve this cooperation, even this contractual-integrative partnership? Also, do we possess the capabilities that enable us to achieve our Arab food security? What is the alternative to this cooperation if it does not succeed? In what legal framework can these steps be placed, and what role does our Arab league play in this Arab aspiration? These questions have been on my mind since the onset of the global food crisis, and the answers are here, in this meeting, and in other meetings that will, God willing, be held under the umbrella or with the blessing and sponsorship of the mother organization."
Abbas al-Haj Hassan emphasized the close link between #climate_change and #food_security in the #Arab_Homeland, praising the efforts of the #UAE in preparation for #COP28.
He added: "What I have observed as the head of the Executive Council of the Arab Organization for Agricultural Development is this Arab enthusiasm towards moving and working together, although the methods may differ; however, the essence of things is the goal and its nobility. Our goal is one, dear brothers, to secure food for our peoples and the region. The question posed today is about financing, which is a central question as the nerve of projects and investments is funding. Here, it is essential to point out that the available capabilities need to be framed, directed, and optimally invested. We, in this region, are not outsiders; we Arabs are deeply rooted here, like the sands of our deserts and the air we breathe. Hence, it is foremost that we take the lead in shaping our food security, and it is sacred for us to be partners in creating global food security. Thanks to the UN and international organizations working in our Arab world, for you try to help, and this effort must be appreciated, but we want this effort to be shared and effective through our organizations that care for the agricultural sector and operate within the Arab League. These organizations possess the trust necessary to operate freely in every district, city, and Arab state, and I believe this is what is required. Thus, it is a call for an Arab-UN partnership to unify efforts towards a better future."
Al-Haj Hassan concluded: "From Beirut, I send you, dear brothers, all my love, from Beirut, which awaits the return of Arab investment in a homeland blessed with high potential. Lebanon, like several Arab countries, has unexploited natural resources, lands, waters, and coastal and inland areas that assist in the diversification of crops."
