Minister of Food, Agriculture and Livestock Mr. Faruk Çelik met separately with the Secretary General of D-8 (Developing Eight Countries) Organization of Economic Cooperation Mr. Seyyid Ali Muhammed Musavi and Secretary General for International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Mr. Raşit Pertev at his office.
Minister Çelik received the D-8 Secretary General Mr. Musavi and stated that significant events occurred in the world after the foundation of D-8. Referring to September 11th, Mr. Çelik added that a new understanding of world has arisen and Islamic phobia has increased.
"The Ministry works in coordination with D-8"
Besides political developments, 2 billion people in the world suffer from poverty and hunger as a result of increase in world population and decrease in farm lands, Minister Çelik said. D-8, covering 14 percent of world population should act in accordance with its foundation goal. Minister of Agriculture is ready for cooperation with D-8 in all areas.
"We would like to see D-8's flag in EXPO 2016 Antalya"
Minister Çelik said "Expo 2016 Antalya organization will be open for 6 months beginning from April 22. We would be pleased on the participation of D-8 to the organization".
General Secretary of D-8 Mr. Musavi reported that Turkey has made great progress in terms of agriculture recently. He added "We see D-8 as a child of Turkey. D-8 is a good market not only for Turkey but also for all member states. Member states, in particular Niger, need your experience and assistance.
Mr. Musavi invited Mr. Çelik to Agricultural Ministers Meeting to be held in Islamabad.
Minister Çelik also met with the Secretary General for IFAD Mr. Raşit Pertev at his office. In the meeting, Mr. Pertev informed Minister Çelik of activities carried out by IFAD.