Uzbekistan and Jordan Sign Agricultural Science Agreement

Uzbekistan and Jordan have formalized an agreement on agricultural science, as reported by Dunyo News Agency, citing the Jordanian news agency Al Mashhad Al Youm. The memorandum of understanding, signed in Amman, focuses on agricultural research and the exchange of plant and animal genetic resources.

Signatories to the agreement included Jordan's Ministry of Agriculture, the National Centre for Agricultural Research, and Uzbekistan's Plant Genetic Resources Research Institute, which operates under the Uzbek Ministry of Agriculture. This document is part of an executive cooperation program between the agricultural ministries of both nations, stemming from a previous high-level visit.

Dr. Saeb Abdel Halim Al-Khureisat, the Jordanian Minister of Agriculture, extended a welcome to the Uzbek delegation, which comprised representatives from Uzbekistan's Ministry of Agriculture. He acknowledged the strong bilateral relations between the two countries and emphasized the importance of this agreement for fostering scientific collaboration.

Al-Khureisat stated that the memorandum is designed to enhance cooperation among research centers in agricultural science, promote the sustainable utilization and exchange of genetic resources for food and agriculture, facilitate knowledge sharing, and build research capabilities.

The agreement outlines provisions for collaborative research and experiments aimed at evaluating and improving promising plant species and varieties. It also includes the exchange of scientific and technical expertise, along with reciprocal visits by researchers and specialists.

During the meeting, the Jordanian delegation provided their Uzbek counterparts with seed samples of grain and vegetable crops from the National Seed Bank. These samples are known for their resistance to soil and irrigation water salinity and are intended for research programs and agricultural experiments focused on developing varieties suited to such conditions.

Conversely, Uzbek representatives supplied the Jordanian side with seed samples of grain and vegetable crops. These are intended for the introduction and acclimatization of salt-tolerant varieties as part of plant genetic resource exchange programs.

Furthermore, Jordan transferred several Awassi sheep to Uzbekistan. These animals will be utilized for their genetic potential in breeding improvement and livestock development programs.

According to Dunyo, Uzbek representatives conveyed their appreciation to Jordan's Ministry of Agriculture and the National Centre for Agricultural Research for their support in advancing bilateral agricultural cooperation.