Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain, held a high-level meeting with the Ambassador of Spain to Pakistan, Carlos Aragón Gil de la Serna, to discuss ways to enhance bilateral cooperation in agriculture, food security, trade, and multilateral engagement.
The meeting was held in a cordial atmosphere, reflecting the longstanding and friendly relations between Pakistan and Spain. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation in the agricultural sector and exploring new avenues of mutually beneficial trade and investment.
The Spanish Ambassador congratulated Pakistan on becoming a full member of the International Olive Council (IOC) and appreciated the country's growing role in the global olive sector. Federal Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain expressed his sincere gratitude to the Government of Spain, particularly the Spanish Minister of Agriculture, for extending unwavering support to Pakistan's successful bid for full membership of the IOC. He noted that Spain's valuable support had further strengthened the enduring partnership between the two countries.
The Spanish Ambassador highly appreciated the positive contribution of nearly 150,000 Pakistanis residing in Spain, acknowledging their important role in strengthening economic ties and promoting trade between the two countries. He also noted that Pakistan enjoys a favourable trade balance with Spain, with textiles remaining one of Pakistan's major exports to the Spanish market.
Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation with Spain in the field of modern agricultural technologies to enhance Pakistan's agricultural productivity and climate resilience. Highlighting Spain's global expertise in precision farming, efficient irrigation systems, olive cultivation, greenhouse farming, mechanization, and water management, the Minister invited Spanish companies and institutions to collaborate with Pakistan through technology transfer, research partnerships, and capacity-building initiatives. He stated that the adoption of advanced agricultural technologies would help modernize Pakistan's farming sector, improve crop yields and quality, conserve water resources, strengthen food security, and increase the competitiveness of Pakistani agricultural products in international markets. He reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to facilitating mutually beneficial partnerships that promote innovation and sustainable agricultural development.
To institutionalize bilateral engagement, Federal Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain proposed the establishment of a Pakistan–Spain Joint Working Group on Agriculture, which would serve as a dedicated mechanism to promote cooperation in agricultural research, technology transfer, investment, food security, and trade. The Spanish side welcomed the proposal and agreed to explore its early establishment.
Highlighting Pakistan's vast agricultural potential, the Federal Minister invited Spain to enhance agricultural trade and informed the Ambassador that Pakistan is ready to increase exports of rice, ethanol, potatoes, and maize to the Spanish market. He emphasized that stronger trade partnerships would benefit both countries and contribute to sustainable agricultural growth.
Concluding the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their resolve to further strengthen bilateral relations, deepen agricultural cooperation, expand trade, and maintain close collaboration in regional and international forums for mutual benefit.
