Azerbaijan's flag raised at IOFS headquarters in Astana

A ceremony marking Azerbaijan's accession to the Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS) has been held in Astana.

Report's Kazakhstan bureau informs, citing the IOFS, that Azerbaijan's flag was raised for the first time at the organization's headquarters during the ceremony.

The event was attended by IOFS Director General, Ambassador Berik Aryn, and Azerbaijan's Ambassador to Kazakhstan Aghalar Atamoghlanov.

In his remarks, the IOFS director general said Azerbaijan's accession as a full member was an important step toward strengthening cooperation in food security, sustainable agricultural development and agrarian systems across the countries of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

He recalled that the IOFS Charter was signed in Baku in May 2026 by Azerbaijani Agriculture Minister Majnun Mammadov and thanked the Azerbaijani government for its commitment to the organization.

Atamoghlanov, in turn, said ensuring global food security is one of today's main challenges. According to him, agricultural development, food security and sustainable supply chains are among the priorities of every independent state.

He stressed that the IOFS plays an active role in this area and is highly valued by member states as a specialized platform for cooperation in these fields.

The ambassador said Azerbaijan attaches great importance to strengthening cooperation within the IOFS. He recalled that even before receiving member-state status, Azerbaijan had actively participated in the organization's initiatives, events and programs.

"I sincerely believe that Azerbaijan's membership will make a valuable contribution to the development of cooperation among member states in agriculture, sustainable development and food security," Atamoghlanov said.

He said the organization would continue close cooperation with member states and partners to build sustainable, inclusive and reliable food systems in the OIC region.

Atamoghlanov also noted that during his diplomatic mission, he had witnessed Kazakhstan's rapid socio-economic growth and large-scale reforms aimed at modernizing the country.

The ambassador also congratulated the brotherly people of Kazakhstan on the entry into force of the new Constitution and expressed confidence that the constitutional reforms would strengthen the country's position and serve as a guarantee of long-term stability and prosperity.

The IOFS director general also congratulated Atamoghlanov on being awarded the Order of Dostyk by Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev for his contribution to the development of strategic partnership and friendship between the two countries.

Azerbaijan became the first country welcomed by the IOFS under its new ceremonial flag-raising tradition. The organization noted that the event holds a special place in its institutional history and opens a new page in strengthening cooperation among its member states.