Qatar participated in the 34th virtual meeting of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) undersecretaries responsible for agriculture and food security, held on September 1, 2026. The meeting brought together representatives from GCC member states to discuss collaborative efforts in enhancing regional food security and agricultural development. Qatar’s delegation was led by HE Ali bin Mohammed al-Ali, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Municipality.

During the meeting, HE al-Ali emphasized Qatar’s commitment to fortifying joint Gulf actions and fostering cooperation and coordination across the member states. He highlighted the importance of sustaining food supplies and improving the GCC’s readiness to face both regional and global challenges, including shifts in the geopolitical and economic landscape.

A key focus was the ongoing implementation of the Gulf Food Security Strategy. HE al-Ali reaffirmed Qatar’s dedication to fulfilling its responsibilities within the strategy, which includes joint programs, projects, and initiatives aimed at bolstering food security in the region. He also commended efforts toward establishing Gulf-wide strategic stockpiles for essential items such as food, medicines, and other supplies. The development of an integrated stockpiling system was described as critical for enhancing the resilience of food systems and ensuring continuity during emergencies and crises.

The meeting addressed a broad range of topics, including the application of artificial intelligence in farm management to increase productivity, harmonizing standards for medicines, vaccines, and veterinary products, and enhancing cooperation in aquatic and genetic resource management. Additionally, participants reviewed progress on prior decisions made by the Agricultural Cooperation and Food Security Committee.

In closing, HE al-Ali expressed gratitude to the GCC General Secretariat and to Bahrain, the current chair of the meeting, along with the committees, working groups, and relevant authorities for their ongoing contributions to regional agricultural and food security initiatives.