Amman, July 23 (Petra) — Jordan and Uzbekistan have signed a
memorandum of understanding to expand cooperation in agricultural
research and the exchange of plant and animal genetic resources
between the National Agricultural Research Center (NARC) and
Uzbekistan’s Research Institute of Plant Genetic Resources at the
National Center for Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation.

The agreement was signed during a meeting between Minister of
Agriculture Saeb Kharaysat and an Uzbek delegation from the Ministry
of Agriculture. Kharaysat highlighted the relations between the two
countries and the importance of developing cooperation in the
agricultural sector.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture, the memorandum follows the
executive program for cooperation between the Jordanian and Uzbek
agriculture ministries and aims to enhance collaboration in
scientific research, exchange expertise, strengthen research
capabilities, and support efforts related to food security and
sustainable agricultural development.

Kharaysat said the cooperation will include joint research and
experiments to assess and develop selected plant varieties, exchange
technical knowledge, and organize scientific and field visits between
researchers and specialists from both countries.

As part of the cooperation, Jordan provided the Uzbek side with
samples of grain and vegetable seeds stored at the National Seed
Bank. The seeds have characteristics that help them tolerate salinity
caused by soil conditions or irrigation water and will be used in
research and agricultural trials to develop varieties better suited
to salt-affected environments.

The Uzbek side also provided Jordan with samples of grain and
vegetable seeds as part of the exchange of plant genetic resources
and efforts to introduce salt-tolerant varieties through research and
development programs.

The cooperation also included providing the Uzbek delegation with a
number of Awassi sheep to support research into the breed’s genetic
characteristics and contribute to livestock improvement programs.

The Uzbek delegation expressed appreciation to the Ministry of
Agriculture and the National Agricultural Research Center for their
efforts in supporting and facilitating agricultural cooperation
between the two countries.

//Petra//WH