Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain held a high-level meeting with the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Sweden to Pakistan Alexandra Berg von Linde. The leaders discussed expanding bilateral cooperation in agriculture food security livestock research innovation and sustainable development. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to turning the longstanding friendly relations between Pakistan and Sweden into a practical agricultural partnership.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Welcoming the Ambassador the Federal Minister stated that Pakistan highly values its cordial relations with Sweden and aims to broaden engagement across agricultural sectors. He observed that despite strong political ties agricultural cooperation has remained limited leaving significant untapped potential. He expressed confidence that stronger institutional linkages and regular engagement would open new avenues for mutually beneficial collaboration.
The Minister acknowledged Sweden as a global leader in sustainable agriculture agricultural innovation food safety livestock development and climate resilient farming. He appreciated Sweden contributions to global development through the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency and welcomed expanded opportunities for Pakistani professionals to benefit from Swedish expertise and training programs.
Both sides explored options to enhance institutional cooperation. The Minister proposed research partnerships exchange of technical delegations academic cooperation and closer ties between the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council and leading Swedish institutions. He emphasized that this collaboration would facilitate the exchange of knowledge modern technologies and best practices to support Pakistan agricultural modernization.
The meeting also focused on food security and food safety. Discussions highlighted the importance of improving food quality standards promoting safe food processing practices and encouraging modern technologies to reduce food losses and improve value addition. The Minister welcomed Swedish collaboration to strengthen Pakistan agricultural value chains and boost export competitiveness.
The Federal Minister highlighted Pakistan commitment to modernizing agriculture through innovation sustainability and private sector participation. He invited Swedish companies to explore investment opportunities in Pakistan agriculture food processing dairy post harvest management and value added sectors to drive economic growth and employment.
Livestock development featured prominently during the talks. Both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in animal health dairy development food safety and sustainable livestock production to boost productivity rural livelihoods and national food security.
Antimicrobial resistance was another key topic. The Swedish Ambassador encouraged the Federal Minister to seek membership in the Global Leaders Group on Antimicrobial Resistance acknowledging Pakistan ongoing efforts to address this challenge. She noted that Pakistan participation would strengthen the representation of the Eastern Mediterranean Region on the global platform.
The Federal Minister welcomed the proposal and confirmed that Pakistan would initiate the process for nomination. He noted that the Ministry of National Food Security and Research is working closely with the Ministries of National Health Services and Climate Change to implement a coordinated national response to antimicrobial resistance using a One Health approach.
The Ambassador highlighted the positive contributions of Swedish companies operating in Pakistan in food processing dairy packaging and sustainable textile production. Both sides agreed that the experience of these companies provides a strong foundation for broader economic and agricultural cooperation. The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to deepen Pakistan Sweden cooperation through sustained dialogue increased investment and research collaboration.