Azerbaijan's entry into Islamic Food Security Organization gets celebrated in Astana

Azerbaijan’s accession to the Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS) was marked with a celebratory ceremony held in Astana.

The event was attended by IOFS Director General Ambassador Berik Aryn and Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to Kazakhstan, Aghalar Atamoghlanov, as Caliber.Az reports citing the organization's press release.

In his remarks, the IOFS chief said Azerbaijan’s membership as a full member represents an important step toward strengthening cooperation in food security, sustainable agricultural development, and agribusiness across the countries of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

He further recalled how the IOFS Charter was signed in Baku in May 2026 by Azerbaijan’s Minister of Agriculture Majnun Mammadov, expressing gratitude to the Azerbaijani government for its commitment to the organization.

Ambassador Atamoghlanov, in turn, stressed that global food security remains one of the most pressing challenges today. He said agricultural development, food security, and resilient supply chains are priorities for every independent state.

The diplomat added that IOFS plays an active role in this field and is highly valued by member states as a specialized platform for cooperation. He further emphasized Azerbaijan’s strong commitment to deepening cooperation within IOFS, recalling that the country actively participated in the organization’s initiatives, events, and programs even before becoming a full member.

“I sincerely believe that Azerbaijan’s membership will make a valuable contribution to strengthening cooperation among member states in agriculture, sustainable development, and food security,” Atamoghlanov said.

He also noted that the organization will continue close cooperation with member states and partners to build sustainable, inclusive, and resilient food systems across the OIC region.

Speaking on the host country of the event, he praised Kazakhstan’s rapid socio-economic development and reform process during his diplomatic tenure, adding that he had witnessed significant modernization efforts in the country.

He also congratulated the people of Kazakhstan on the entry into force of the new Constitution, expressing confidence that constitutional reforms would strengthen the country’s position and ensure long-term stability and prosperity.

In the course of his speech, IOFS Director General took the chance to congratulate Atamoghlanov on being awarded the “Dostyk” Order by Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev for his contribution to strengthening strategic partnership and friendship between the two countries.

The IOFS noted that Azerbaijan is the first country to be welcomed under a new ceremonial tradition involving the raising of a national flag. According to the organization, the event marks a milestone in its institutional history and opens a new chapter in cooperation among member states.

By Nazrin Sadigova