May 15, 2025
The Executive Committee of the Association of Agricultural Research Institutions in the Near East and North Africa (AARINENA) held its annual meeting on May 15, 2025, at the GAP Agricultural Research Institute in Şanlıurfa, Turkey. The event brought together key representatives from regional and international research institutions to discuss strategic priorities and enhance collaboration in the transformation of agri-food systems across the region.
The meeting was inaugurated with welcome remarks by Dr. Mustafa Altuğ Atalay, Director General of TAGEM, and Dr. Hamdan Al Wahaibi, President of AARINENA. The agenda featured presentations from partner organizations, including TAGEM, ICARDA, ICBA, the Soil and Water Research Center of Oman, Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, Jordan’s National Agricultural Research Center (NARC), Sudan’s Agricultural Research Corporation, and the Global Forum on Agricultural Research and Innovation (GFAiR). AARINENA deeply appreciates the generous hosting and organizational support provided by TAGEM, which greatly contributed to the success of the event.
Highlights of the meeting included updates on AARINENA’s 2024 achievements and financial report, discussions on the upcoming 16th General Conference, and insights into launching the Global NARS Consortium and advancing cooperation between regional networks.
Following the meeting, Dr. Mustafa Altuğ Atalay (Director General of TAGEM), Dr. Hamdan Salim Al Wahaibi (President of AARINENA), and Dr. Rida Shibli (Executive Secretary of AARINENA) paid an official visit to Şanlıurfa Governor Hasan Şıldak, further strengthening institutional ties and regional cooperation in agricultural research and policy.
Participants concluded the day with a traditional cultural evening, fostering networking and regional solidarity.
