The SG of the CIHEAM, Teodoro Miano went to the capital of Turkey from 8 to 9 November 2023 on an official visit to a country that has been close to the CIHEAM since its establishment and became an official member in 1967.8 to 9, 2023 for an official visit to this country, which has been close to CIHEAM since its creation and became an official member in 1967.

He was warmly welcomed by a large delegation from the General Directorate of Agricultural Research and Policies (TAGEM), the research body of the Turkish Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, by the Turkish delegate to the CIHEAM, Mr Metin TURKER, and his alternate delegate, Mrs Nihan ATAY HASPOLAT.

They particularly discussed issues relating to the recognition and certification procedures of the CIHEAM in the country in order to facilitate operations there, the opportunities offered by closer collaboration with non-CIHEAM Member States, especially the Balkan countries which share common challenges in the Mediterranean, and the development of training programmes for the implementation cooperation and research projects.

The CIHEAM is strongly motivated to strengthen its relations with this country and discussions are underway to open an office there.

In addition to the numerous research and cooperation projects developed with the national authorities to strengthen the sustainability and resilience of agri-food systems, and to support rural and agricultural populations in the necessary transitions in the face of climate change and water stress, through the CIHEAM Institute in Bari, for several years, the CIHEAM has been providing technical assistance to farmers and communities in northern Syria who have taken refuge in Gaziantep.