The UAE Ministry of Environment and Water recently sent a delegation headed by H.E. Sultan Abdullah Alwan, Assistant Undersecretary for Region sector, to an official two-day visit to the Republic of Kazakhstan. Made upon the invitation of the Kazakhstani Government, the trip aimed to strengthen both parties’ collaboration in the agriculture and livestock sectors, as well as exchange information regarding the latest health practices and quarantine procedures being undertaken by the republic to protect its livestock from diseases. The visitation also assessed the potential of exporting livestock from Kazakhstan to the UAE.
The visit is in line with the Ministry’s active efforts to enhance food security and improve bio-security in the country by encouraging new markets to import disease-free livestock. During their stay, the delegation had several formal meetings with key officials from the Kazakhstan Ministry of Agriculture and also inspected the country’s animal husbandry facilities and laboratories. The group was also introduced to the annual animal disease screening programs and standard procedures being applied to efficiently monitor and control animals’ activities. They also discussed the viability of exporting livestock from Kazakhstan to the UAE.
During the visit, the Ministry signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Agriculture in the presence of the Kazakhstan Minister of Agriculture to enhance their cooperation in the field of veterinary medicine. This MoU also tackles issues regarding the trade of animal products, with the aim of opening up to new markets and diversifying the country’s sources for imported products. The move is in line with the Ministry’s steadfast commitment to enhance food security and boost bio-security through pursuing untapped and highly efficient markets.
With regards to the strategic implementation of the MoU, both parties will be exchanging information, expertise and knowledge to ensure that the most efficient tools will be utilized in controlling contagious animal diseases. They will also implement joint programs to safeguard animal health and the superior quality of animal feed. In addition, both parties will be conducting conferences, reports and seminars to facilitate a healthy discussion of key issues regarding the provision of export permits in both countries to those who will be involved in the production and storage of goods, all of which will be subject to veterinary inspection. The MoU also stipulates cooperation between the UAE and Kazakhstan’s national veterinary laboratories and participation in specialized training sessions for each country’s veterinarians and livestock professionals.
As a result of the recent productive visit and the strategic implementation of the MoU, the UAE is poised to start importing live cows and sheep from Kazakhstan in accordance with the health conditions that were agreed upon by the two parties. This step will offer more options for consumers and provide a more diversified variety of imported livestock in the UAE.