Against the backdrop of global economic turbulence, food security is rapidly turning into one of the most sensitive topics on the international agenda. This issue was at the center of a meeting in Kuwait between Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Kuwait Yerzhan Yelekeyev and Sami Ben Naceur, Director of the Middle East Center for Economics and Finance of the International Monetary Fund, DKNews.kz reports.
The discussion reflected a shared understanding that economic stability today can no longer be separated from reliable food supply chains and resilient agricultural systems.
Global economy facing new challenges
During the meeting, the parties exchanged views on current trends shaping the global economy. Inflationary pressure, geopolitical uncertainty, disruptions in logistics and supply chains were highlighted as key challenges affecting both economic growth and access to basic commodities.
In this context, ensuring sustainable economic growth and food security was identified as a priority not only for individual countries, but for entire regions, particularly the Middle East, which remains highly dependent on food imports.
Kazakhstan’s growing role in food security
The Kazakh side presented the country’s potential in the agro-industrial sector, emphasizing food exports and Kazakhstan’s ability to ensure stable supplies of agricultural products. It was noted that Kazakhstan is steadily strengthening its position as a reliable partner in global food security, especially during periods of heightened uncertainty.
With vast agricultural resources and export capacity, Kazakhstan sees food security not just as a national task, but as an area of international responsibility.
Expert dialogue in Kuwait
Particular attention during the talks was given to the idea of holding a joint expert event in Kuwait focused on food security. Such a platform could provide an opportunity to discuss Kazakhstan’s contribution to ensuring food sustainability in the Middle East, including Kuwait, and to explore practical solutions to shared challenges.
Bringing together policymakers, experts, international organizations and профильные agencies was seen as a way to move from analysis to concrete action.
Interest in deeper cooperation
Both sides expressed mutual interest in developing cooperation, continuing expert dialogue and exploring possible formats of interaction involving relevant government bodies and international institutions. The emphasis was placed on long-term collaboration rather than one-off discussions.
IMF CEF as a regional hub
The IMF’s Middle East Center for Economics and Finance, based in Kuwait, plays a key role in supporting 22 Arab states in economic policy and financial management. Through training, knowledge exchange and expert assistance, the center contributes to strengthening economic stability and institutional capacity across the region.
Against this backdrop, dialogue with Kazakhstan on food security and sustainable growth appears timely and pragmatic. As global uncertainty continues to reshape economic priorities, partnerships built around food resilience and stability are becoming increasingly important — not only for growth, but for long-term regional security.
