Pakistan, Bangladesh Set Sights on Stronger Agrifood Partnership, Climate Resilience

Rana Tanveer Hussain holds high-level meeting with Bangladeshi ministers on sidelines of FAO One Health Conference in Rome

Rome, September 23, 2026: Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain, held a high-level meeting with Bangladesh’s Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Abdul Awal Mintoo, and Minister of State for Fisheries and Livestock, Sultan Salauddin Tuku, on the sidelines of the FAO Global Conference for Actions on One Health in Agrifood Systems in Rome.

The meeting focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation in agriculture, livestock, fisheries, climate adaptation and the One Health approach, with discussions centred on shared challenges and opportunities for advancing sustainable and resilient agrifood systems.

Rana Tanveer Hussain highlighted the common vulnerabilities of Pakistan and Bangladesh as agriculture-dependent countries facing the growing impacts of climate change, emerging diseases and environmental pressures. He emphasised that closer collaboration in animal, human and environmental health could help strengthen food security, protect rural livelihoods and improve the resilience of agricultural communities.

The Federal Minister underscored the potential for expanding cooperation in agricultural trade, research, mechanisation, livestock breed improvement and capacity building. He also highlighted opportunities for institutional partnerships, technical exchanges and collaboration in agriculture and veterinary sciences, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to a relationship based on mutual respect, sovereign equality and shared development priorities.

Abdul Awal Mintoo appreciated the opportunity for engagement on the sidelines of the international conference and highlighted the importance of addressing climate change and environmental challenges through coordinated action. He emphasised the value of exchanging knowledge, experiences and practical approaches to strengthen climate resilience and promote sustainable agrifood systems, while recognising the potential for closer cooperation between the two countries.

Sultan Salauddin Tuku highlighted the importance of the fisheries and livestock sectors in supporting food security, nutrition and rural livelihoods. He expressed the significance of cooperation in livestock development, improved production systems, disease prevention, research and technical capacity building, noting the scope for Pakistan and Bangladesh to benefit from sharing expertise and strengthening institutional linkages.

The meeting also explored cooperation in climate-smart livestock production, improved feed and fodder systems, disease surveillance,  antimicrobial resistance, food safety and value addition. Both sides recognised the importance of sustained technical engagement to identify priority areas and translate discussions into practical initiatives.

Rana Tanveer Hussain invited the Bangladeshi ministers to visit Pakistan for further bilateral discussions and to advance cooperation in agriculture, fisheries, livestock and climate-resilient agrifood systems. The meeting concluded with a shared emphasis on strengthening bilateral engagement and contributing to regional resilience and the global One Health agenda.