Environment
UAE and Japan Strengthen Ties in Food Security and Climate-Smart Agriculture
Her Excellency Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, met with HE Sakamoto Tetsushi, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan, to discuss expanding cooperation in food security and advanced climate-smart agriculture. This meeting is a significant part of the UAE-Japan Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Initiative (CSPI), aiming to drive sustainable economic growth and enhance bilateral cooperation.
The discussions focused on boosting agricultural and fisheries collaboration under the Memorandum of Understanding between the UAE's Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MoCCAE) and Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. Both ministers highlighted the importance of increasing food trade and advancing sustainable agricultural practices.
HE Dr. Al Dahak emphasized the strong UAE-Japan relationship and the strategic partnership in food security. "Japan is one of our most important partners in food security," she stated. "We have numerous opportunities to deepen this cooperation through expertise exchange, increased investments, and modern agricultural practices."
During the meeting, HE Dr. Al Dahak invited HE Sakamoto Tetsushi to the World Food Security Summit in Abu Dhabi, scheduled for November 26-27, 2024. In return, the Japanese Minister invited the MoCCAE to the 3rd Subcommittee meetings on Agriculture, Environment, and Climate Change in Japan this August.
The meeting also addressed cooperation priorities for COP29 in Azerbaijan, focusing on climate change adaptation and climate finance. HE Dr. Al Dahak congratulated Japan on being selected as the host for Expo 2025, acknowledging Japan's role in promoting global food security and climate change mitigation efforts.
Japan's involvement in initiatives like the UAE COP28 Declaration on Sustainable Agriculture, Resilient Food Systems, and Climate Action, and the Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate (AIM for Climate), underscores its commitment to climate-smart agriculture. Japan also participates in the Mangrove Alliance for Climate (MAC), promoting mangroves as natural carbon sinks.
This strengthened cooperation between the UAE and Japan aims to foster a sustainable future through innovative agricultural practices and robust fisheries management.