Pakistan’s Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain attended the grand ceremony of the 17th Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation at the Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi, today. The event, held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister, honored global leaders in agricultural innovation, including Pakistani scientist Dr. Ghulam Sarwar Markhand who received the prestigious award in the “Influential Figure” category. Federal Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain appreciated the UAE’s visionary leadership in promoting sustainable agriculture and fostering international partnerships. He emphasised the strong bilateral ties between Pakistan and the UAE, particularly in agricultural research and innovation. “The Khalifa International Award is a beacon of excellence in agricultural advancement, and Pakistan takes great pride in Dr. Markhand’s recognition,” said Minister Hussain. “This achievement reflects Pakistan’s commitment to scientific research and sustainable farming, aligning with global efforts to combat food security challenges and climate change.” A major highlight was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the Second Pakistan International Date Palm Festival 2025, to be held this year in Pakistan, marking a new chapter in agricultural cooperation between the two nations. Rana Tanveer Hussain, Federal Minister for National Food Security & Research of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and Dr. Abdelouahhab Zaid, Prof., General Secretary, Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation signed the MoU. H.E. Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, UAE’s Minister for Tolerance & Coexistence recognized several national and international figures for their outstanding contributions to the growth and progress of the date palm cultivation and production sector. Among the honorees were Ambassador Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, Pakistan's Ambassador to the UAE, and H.E. Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Salem Alzaabi, the UAE's Ambassador to Pakistan. Minister Hussain’s participation reaffirmed Pakistan’s dedication to agricultural innovation and its strong partnership with the UAE in addressing key challenges such as food security, climate resilience, and sustainable farming practices.
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