FAO envoy: Iran, regional guide in fields of agriculture, veterinary

Tehran, Dec 7, IRNA – Representative of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Iran said Iran with regard to its capacities in different human and equipment fields can be the guide in the region in agricultural and veterinary fields. In a meeting with Mehdi Khalaj, head of the Veterinary Organization of Iran, Serge Nakouzi announced readiness of FAO representative office in Tehran for rendering assistance to Iran in this regard. Assuring the Iranian side of the follow up of the issues raised in the meeting, he said FAO projects are turning from project-oriented into strategic projects. Head of Iran Veterinary Organization said with regard to geographical condition of Iran on the one hand and capabilities of his organization on the other hand, the organization is ready to implement FAO’s plans in the region. Khalaj further remarked that with regard to the presence of geographical information system (GIS) for animal diseases, his organization is fully prepared to put its experience at the disposal of others and even for the stationing of a relevant regional bureau in Iran. He said: “Given that FAO representative is also present in ECO we call for rendering assistance to the ECO sector (ECO veterinary bureau).” He also called for holding regional and national training courses by FAO representative office in Iran./end