New Delhi: The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) entered into agreement to enhance their cooperation in the agriculture sector to promote sustainable development and food security, an ASEAN press release revealed.
The announcement was made in a joint statement issued after the meeting of foreign ministers and high-level representatives from ASEAN and ECO Member States at the 16th Ministerial Meeting held on 27 September in New York.
The meeting highlighted the importance of strengthening multilateral partnerships and cooperation in promoting peace, stability, and sustainable development for the peoples of ASEAN and ECO Member States. The ministers also discussed ways to deepen cooperation in areas such as finance, trade and investment, new and emerging technologies, connectivity, and sustainable development.
The joint statement said that the ministers agreed to enhance the Framework of Cooperation (FOC) between ASEAN and ECO to include the agriculture sector. The enhanced FOC will focus on promoting sustainable agriculture practices and improving food security, particularly in light of the challenges posed by climate change and other emerging diseases, the release added.