The Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Arabian Gulf University (AGU) to cooperate in scientific research and training in the agricultural field.

The MOU was signed by His Excellency Eng. Wael bin Nasser Al Mubarak, Minister of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture, and His Excellency Dr. Saad bin Saud Al Fuhaid, President of AGU, at the Agricultural Affairs Building in Budaiya. This took place in the presence of Eng. Asim Abdul Latif, Undersecretary of Agriculture and Animal Resources, and a number of Ministry and University officials.

The Minister explained that this agreement aims to develop the agricultural sector, creating and localising modern technologies that support food security and the sustainability of natural resources. It will prepare targeted training programs to advance human capital capabilities in service of the goals of the agricultural strategy of the Kingdom of Bahrain.

He affirmed, "Under this agreement, the two parties, in coordination with the competent authorities, seek to enhance education and develop talents in the fields of agricultural production. This will be achieved by contributing to the development of agricultural science curricula and implementing graduation projects suited to natural conditions and determinants. Students will be qualified though necessary scientific expertise, ensuring the availability of skilled graduates who may drive progress forward and continue the achievement of national and regional strategies.”

He added, "This agreement also aims to enhance professional cooperation in implementing graduation projects that train students on modern agricultural methods and key findings of modern research in a manner consistent with the environment and climate of the Kingdom of Bahrain. This creates scientific and practical competencies that are consistent with the local reality, in addition to designing joint applied research and training programs to find solutions, develop the production process, and maximize the use of available resources.”

During the signing of the agreement, the Minister praised the constructive and fruitful cooperation between the Ministry and AGU, which has yielded significant results in terms of agricultural development.  He stressed the attention given by the Ministry to scientific research as one of the most important pillars of comprehensive development in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

For his part, Dr. Saad bin Saud Al Fuhaid, President of AGU, praised the remarkable progress witnessed by the Kingdom of Bahrain in terms of agricultural development. He stressed the university's keenness to continue cooperating with the Ministry in various programs to achieve goals of sustainable and agricultural development. He expressed hope that this agreement would further common interests, bilateral cooperation and coordination, and enhance agricultural developmental efforts in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

The signing of the MOU stems from mutual belief in the benefits of true scientific cooperation and the desire to combine efforts to implement joint activities and programs. Within the framework of this MOU, regular consultations will be organised to monitor and review the progress of work in a manner that enhances synergies in the field and enhances local and national dimension in implementing agricultural programs.