Baku, Ankara push food safety, zero waste cooperation PHOTO

Azerbaijan’s Deputy Chairman of the Food Safety Agency, Aziz Sharifov, has participated in a high-level event on “Reducing Post-Harvest Losses – Enhancing Efficiency in the Food Supply Chain,” held as part of the Zero Waste Forum 2026 in Istanbul.

On the sidelines of the forum, Sharifov held talks with Ahmet Gümen, Türkiye’s Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, focusing on cooperation under the Zero Waste initiative and broader food safety and agricultural trade issues, Caliber.Az reports per local media.

During the meeting, the Azerbaijani side presented updates on national measures aimed at reducing food loss and waste across the supply chain, in line with sustainability and efficiency goals.

Both parties highlighted the strong trajectory of cooperation in the areas of food safety, animal and plant health protection, and the expansion of bilateral trade in agricultural and food products. They also noted positive growth trends in trade turnover for goods subject to food safety regulation.

Discussions further centered on efforts to streamline export procedures for products of animal origin, including Azerbaijani dairy and fish products, as well as bone meal exports to the Turkish market. The sides agreed to continue close cooperation to expedite and facilitate export processes in these categories.

The meeting also addressed technical issues related to livestock identification systems for cattle, alongside broader agricultural traceability standards.

In addition, participants discussed the strategic role of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, highlighting its geographical advantages and logistical potential as a key factor in expanding regional export capacity.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation and maintaining intensive engagement to further enhance food safety standards, trade facilitation, and sustainable food systems in line with the Zero Waste agenda.

By Vafa Guliyeva