Regional Food Safety Coordination Center to Open in Turkey
Turkey will host a Regional Food Safety Coordination Center. The agreement with the Secretary General of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC) covers the establishment of the food safety center in Turkey. Turkey will serve as coordinating country for a two-year period, hosting the cooperation center during that time.
Agreement has been reached on the topics discussed regarding the establishment of the food safety coordination center in Turkey.
The second Agriculture Ministers Meeting organized under the Black Sea Economic Cooperation was held in Turkey this year, with Turkey holding the rotating chairmanship. After the meeting, Minister Celik spoke about the discussions.
Minister Celik discussed the ministers' declaration. The key points include the importance of regional partnership and investment in securing food supply, a focus on harmonizing customs procedures and quality standards to support agricultural trade, the protection of natural resources and the Black Sea ecosystem for future generations, and extending the cooperation between agriculture ministries to include civil society and the scientific community.
A Shared Responsibility
Minister Celik highlighted another key topic of the meeting, noting that Turkey is taking on the coordinator role for a two-year period. He addressed the steps to be followed under the 2017 to 2018 action plan of the BSEC Agriculture and Agro-Industry Working Group, and stated that agreement has been reached to establish the Regional Food Safety Coordination Center in Turkey under the framework of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation.
The BSEC Secretary General also stated that the mutually signed declaration is significant. This document will form the basis of the partnership. He said they were very pleased with the success achieved. Turkey will host the cooperation center as coordinating country for two years. Work will be carried out under Turkey's coordination.
