Muscat – Oman and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of United Nations have signed an agreement to establish a representative office in Muscat, marking a new phase in cooperation.

The agreement was signed in Rome on Saturday by H E Dr Saud bin Hamoud al Habsi, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, and Dr Qu Dongyu, Director-General of FAO, in the presence of H H Sayyid Nizar bin al Julanda al Said, Ambassador of Oman to Italy, and senior officials from both sides.

The move is expected to expand Oman’s presence in international forums dealing with food, climate and water, while strengthening joint technical programmes in agriculture, fisheries and natural resource management.

H E Habsi said the agreement reflects FAO’s role in shaping agricultural, food security and rural development policies at both regional and global levels.

He added that establishment of a permanent FAO office in Oman represents a major step in enhancing cooperation, particularly in implementation of national strategies and coordination across sectors under the ministry’s oversight.

Dr Thaer Yassin, Head of the FAO Mission in Oman, described the agreement as a strategic development that will deepen the organisation’s engagement in the country. He said the presence of a permanent representative will enhance knowledge exchange and broaden technical cooperation both nationally and across the region.

FAO has supported projects in Oman since 2012, particularly in the agriculture and fisheries sectors, with emphasis on sustainable development and climate resilience. The organisation’s project portfolio in the sultanate grew 83% between 2022 and 2024, with contributions from government entities, academic institutions and the private sector.

This growth, FAO official noted, reflects increased mutual confidence and a shared commitment to advancing sustainable food systems and rural development in line with environmental goals.

A permanent FAO office positions Oman as a key partner in the organisation’s efforts to reform agri-food systems in the Gulf region. It also aligns with both parties’ priorities to promote food security, sustainability and innovation across the sector.

According to FAO, the Muscat office will support progress towards several Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those linked to ending hunger, climate action and sustainable land use. It will also strengthen coordination with other UN agencies operating in the sultanate.