Cairo: Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation Alaa Farouk received a high-level Tunisian delegation headed by Samir Majoul, President of the Tunisian Confederation of Industry, Trade and Handicrafts, to discuss enhancing bilateral cooperation in the agricultural sector. The meeting, held in the presence of Mohamed Ben Youssef, the Tunisian Ambassador to Egypt, and Bassem Hassan, the Egyptian Ambassador to Tunisia, aimed at contributing to food security and sustainable development in both countries.

According to State Information Service Egypt, discussions focused on strengthening agricultural investments between Egypt and Tunisia, exchanging expertise in desert land reclamation, and establishing joint agricultural projects. These initiatives aim to boost the productive capacities of both countries, particularly in the cultivation of olives, dates, and sugar beets, as well as in related industries. The possibility of setting up an integrated agricultural investment project in Egypt centered on these crops was also explored.

Minister Farouk emphasized the historical ties between Egypt and Tunisia, highlighting the agricultural sector's pivotal role in enhancing these relations through effective partnerships. He reiterated the ministry's commitment to providing the Tunisian side with necessary facilitation and technical support in various agricultural fields.

Farouk also noted the significant developmental progress in Egypt's agricultural sector, driven by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi's interest and follow-up. He pointed out recent major integrated agricultural development projects that have transformed Egypt's landscape, contributing to comprehensive and sustainable agricultural development.

The Tunisian delegation praised Egypt's efforts in developing its agricultural sector and expressed interest in benefiting from Egyptian expertise. The delegation head highlighted the meeting as a first step towards opening new horizons for cooperation, citing Egypt's suitable infrastructure and expertise as key factors.

The meeting concluded with an agreement for the Tunisian delegation to conduct field visits to review Egypt's sugar beet cultivation and production systems and to inspect potential sites for olive cultivation, with implementation planned within the next two days.