FAO holds high-level strategic partnership meetings with Algeria
As part of his official visit to Algeria, Mr. Abdelhakim El Waer, Assistant Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and Regional Representative for the Near East and North Africa, held a series of official meetings on Monday, 20 May 2025, aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation with the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria.
During this fruitful diplomatic day, Mr. El Waer was received by several high-level Algerian authorities.
Minister of Water Resources, Mr. Taha Derbal – Discussions focused on opportunities for collaboration in the sustainable management of water resources, in light of the growing challenges of water scarcity and stress. Both parties expressed a shared commitment to developing integrated water resilience projects in response to climate change and to support the increase of agricultural production.
The Minister commended FAO's continued engagement, particularly through innovative initiatives such as the WaPOR project, which leverages satellite data to enhance water use efficiency in agriculture. Such projects contribute to improved water resource planning and the transition toward more sustainable agricultural practices.
Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, National Community Abroad, and African Affairs, Mr. Lounès Magramane : During this meeting, both officials praised the strong partnership between Algeria and FAO. They emphasized the importance of intensifying joint efforts in the fields of agriculture, irrigation, food security, and environmental protection. Algeria was recognized for its active role in multilateral mechanisms related to these issues.
Mr. El Waer also reiterated FAO’s commitment to supporting Algeria in achieving its national priorities, notably by providing early warning tools for phytosanitary risk management and technical cooperation programs.
Through these discussions, FAO reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Algeria’s efforts for a sustainable transformation of the agro-environmental sector, while strengthening the country’s recognition as a key player in the region.
The Minister of Environment and Quality of Life, Ms. Nacera Benharrats, held a constructive meeting with the FAO office in Algeria to discuss national priorities regarding environmental sustainability. She reaffirmed Algeria’s strong commitment to actively engaging in global and regional environmental initiatives aimed at achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The discussions focused in particular on key flagship projects implemented in partnership with FAO, including the Integrated Development Project for the Bibans Massifs, which contributes to the preservation of natural resources and biodiversity, and the Suberaie Project, dedicated to the sustainable management and valorization of cork oak forests in Algeria. These initiatives stand as tangible examples of dynamic cooperation and concrete results arising from the partnership between FAO and the Algerian government.
FAO reaffirms its commitment to supporting Algeria in its efforts toward a sustainable transformation of the agro-environmental sector, while also enhancing the country’s recognition as a key regional actor.