President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met with Cindy McCain, Executive Director of the UN World Food Programme (WFP), as part of his official visit to Rome.

As the President stated, this meeting provides an excellent opportunity to discuss the partnership between Kazakhstan and WFP in addressing global food security.

The Head of State spoke about measures implemented by Kazakhstan to ensure global food security and provide humanitarian assistance through international organisations, including the Islamic Organisation for Food Security (IOFS) and the UN.

In 2023, Kazakhstan extended humanitarian assistance worth of $9.2 million dollars to six countries. In response to the difficult humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, Kazakhstan donated $1 million to the people of Palestine and delivered two humanitarian aid shipments. Financial support was also provided to Afghanistan, Turkey, Pakistan and other countries affected by natural disasters.

The President paid special attention to the situation in Afghanistan. In his view, it is crucial for the international community to continue its efforts to prevent a humanitarian crisis in that country.

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev stated that efforts are being made to establish a UN Regional Centre on Sustainable Development Goals for Central Asia and Afghanistan in Almaty. The Centre will streamline UN inter-agency coordination in Central Asia to strengthen regional peace, security and sustainable development.

At the end of the meeting, the Head of State invited Cindy McCain to participate in the upcoming Astana International Forum.

akorda.kz