Speaking at a ceremony marking World Food Day in Tehran on Monday, Kazem Gharibabadi described food security as a fundamental component of national security, stressing that agricultural diplomacy can promote international cooperation, reduce tensions and build lasting ties among nations.

He said wars, geopolitical crises, climate change, drought and disruptions to supply chains have made agriculture a key pillar of countries’ security, independence and stability.

Gharibabadi highlighted Iran’s capabilities in greenhouse technology, seed production, food processing, irrigation, livestock farming and aquaculture, expressing Tehran’s readiness to develop joint agricultural projects and exchange expertise with interested countries.

He also called for regional cooperation on sustainable water management and climate change adaptation, particularly in addressing water scarcity, drought and dust storms.

The Iranian diplomat warned that wars and unilateral sanctions must not undermine food security, noting that restrictions on banking, insurance, transportation and financial transactions can obstruct food trade and access to essential agricultural inputs, even when food and medicine are formally exempt from sanctions.

Gharibabadi proposed five areas for expanding international agricultural cooperation: scientific and technological collaboration, particularly in smart agriculture and water management; facilitating agricultural and food trade; joint investment in processing, storage and transportation infrastructure; educational and research cooperation; and regional coordination to address food crises and strengthen supply-chain resilience.

He also underscored the role of international organizations, particularly the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), in promoting cooperation between food-producing and food-consuming countries.

Gharibabadi concluded that agricultural diplomacy could strengthen mutual trust, promote peace and advance sustainable development, saying Iran is prepared to expand cooperation with other countries based on mutual interests and respect for international law.