Azerbaijan, Türkiye discuss food safety cooperation

Deputy Chairman of the Food Safety Agency of Azerbaijan (AFSA) Aziz Sharifov took part in an event on "Reducing post-harvest losses - increasing efficiency in the food supply chain" held as part of the Zero Waste Forum 2026 in Istanbul.

According to information provided to Report by the agency, the AFSA deputy chairman met with Ahmet Gümen, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Forestry of Türkiye, on the sidelines of the event.

During the meeting, the sides exchanged views within the framework of the Zero Waste concept, and information was provided about measures being implemented in Azerbaijan to reduce food losses and waste.

The sides noted that cooperation is successfully continuing in ensuring food safety, protecting animal and plant health, as well as expanding mutual trade relations. They discussed the positive dynamics observed in trade turnover between the two countries for products subject to food safety control, as well as future work in this area.

The meeting also reviewed efforts to simplify export procedures for food products of animal origin, as well as work related to the export of Azerbaijani-produced dairy and fish products, along with bone meal, to the Turkish market. An agreement was reached to continue cooperation to accelerate the export process for these products.

The sides also exchanged views on the identification of large and small cattle. The favorable geographical position and logistical capabilities of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, as well as their role in increasing the region's export potential, were also among the topics discussed.

At the end of the meeting, the importance of continuing mutual cooperation intensively was emphasized.