Memorandum of Understanding Signed During His Majesty King Hamad's Visit to the Sultanate of Oman
His Majesty King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa visited the Sultanate of Oman upon receiving the invitation of the Sultan, His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq. During His Majesty King Hamad’s visit, an executive program based on the memorandum of understanding concerning municipal work, covering the period of 2025-2026, was signed. Additionally, another memorandum of understanding relating to production and development of agriculture and livestock, and food security was also signed with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources of the Sultanate of Oman. The memorandum was signed by HE Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al-Zayani on the Bahraini side, and by HE Qais bin Mohammed Al-Yousuf, Minister of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion, on the Omani side.
In this regard, HE Eng. Wael bin Nasser Al Mubarak, Minister of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture, stressed the solid fraternal ties between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Sultanate of Oman. The Minister pointed out that the executive program of the Memorandum of Understanding in the field of municipal work (2025-2026) aims to exchange information, experiences, knowledge, practices, systems, publications, research, strategic studies and trends in the field of municipal work.
The memorandum of understanding will aim to support and develop the agriculture and livestock sector, enhance food security, cooperate in agricultural research and facilitate bilateral cooperation in these areas.
HE the Minister explained that the areas of cooperation outlined in the memorandum of understanding will help promote and support agricultural practices that preserve natural resources, reduce environmental impacts, and develop advanced agricultural technologies aimed at increasing productivity to meet the growing demand for food. The memorandum will also focus on improving agricultural infrastructure, including irrigation systems, enhancing soil quality, and facilitating access to markets and agricultural inputs.
Additionally, the memorandum will strengthen cooperation in afforestation and the exchange of plant genetic resources, particularly mangrove trees. Cooperation will also include the organization of joint trade fairs for agricultural products to bring together investors from both sides, fostering collaboration in manufacturing industries and value-added agricultural products, as well as facilitating exchange visits and knowledge sharing on the use of artificial intelligence in marketing agricultural products and honey.
The memorandum also stipulates the exchange of expertise in animal production and animal health technologies, as well as cooperation in training and capacity-building in animal health and production, which will contribute to enhancing the efficiency of the workforce on both sides. It also emphasizes collaboration in disease control and the exchange of related information.
The minister noted that the memorandum also calls for strengthening the regulation of genetically modified foods, assessing their safety, and ensuring their suitability for consumers. It emphasizes cooperation in food safety testing and working together on programs related to improving livestock breeds for food production to achieve best practices in managing livestock farms.
HE the Minister added that the memorandum aims to exchange expertise in the microbiological testing of food across various types, share information on best practices for veterinary drug use and tracking methods, thereby supporting the One Health initiative. It also focuses on sharing experiences in animal welfare, biosecurity measures, and cooperation in value-added industries for animal products.
Regarding food security cooperation, the memorandum outlines joint efforts in food safety and related regulations, encouraging bilateral projects that contribute to achieving food security. It also calls for the exchange of information and studies on food security strategies, innovations that contribute to food security and self-sufficiency, and supporting partnerships between food security companies to enhance joint investment in this sector.
