Cyprus on Friday agreed to expand its cooperation with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), focusing on food waste, water resource management, and food security.

The decision came during an official meeting in Nicosia between Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou and FAO director-general Qu Dongyu, who is on a two-day visit to the island.

In a joint push to strengthen regional responses to environmental and food challenges, the two confirmed that technical cooperation will begin immediately. Cypriot experts will now work closely with FAO specialists in the coming months on key areas affecting the Eastern Mediterranean.

“These are three crucial sectors for us,” Panayiotou told reporters after the meeting. 

“We need the expertise and support of FAO’s specialists, and I’m pleased that Dongyu responded positively to our request.”

Officials from the ministry and the permanent representation of Cyprus to the FAO in Rome also took part in a high-level roundtable titled “The impact of climate change on food security in the Mediterranean.”

It followed a private meeting between Panayiotou and Dongyu.

The minister revealed that the groundwork has already begun for Cyprus to introduce national strategies on reducing food loss and improving water management. The aim is to better protect the country’s food systems from future shocks.

Panayiotou also updated the FAO chief on Cyprus’ progress in building strategic reserves of animal feed, a key buffer against supply disruptions. Plans are now underway to create similar reserves for grain intended for human consumption.

She also used the opportunity to officially announce Cyprus’ bid to host the 36th FAO regional conference for Europe in the first half of 2028. The minister said it would be an honour for the republic to host such an important international gathering and expressed hope for a favourable response from the FAO.