Kuwait and the Common Fund for Commodities Explore Strategic Partnership on Food Security and Sustainable Agricultural Development
The Hague, 16 July 2026 – H.E. Mr. Sheikh Mohammed Belal, Managing Director of the Common Fund for Commodities (CFC), accompanied by Ms. Zahra Kahla, Research and Data Analyst, paid a courtesy visit to H.E. Mr. Abdulaziz Aljarallah, Ambassador of the State of Kuwait to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, at the Embassy of Kuwait in The Hague. Ambassador Aljarallah was joined by Mr. Ahmad F. A. M. Almansour, Third Secretary, for discussions on sustainable commodity finance, food and nutrition security, agricultural development and poverty alleviation.
The meeting provided an opportunity for an introductory exchange on the mandate and work of the Common Fund for Commodities, with particular emphasis on the CFC's role in financing sustainable commodity development, strengthening agricultural value chains, and improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers, cooperatives and agricultural small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across developing countries.
Ambassador Belal briefed Ambassador Aljarallah on the CFC's innovative approach to development finance through blended finance, technical assistance and strategic partnerships that enhance productivity, promote value addition, improve market access and build resilient food systems. He noted that these efforts contribute directly to reducing poverty, strengthening food and nutrition security and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Ambassador Belal also acknowledged Ambassador Aljarallah's distinguished public service. As a former Minister and a highly respected diplomat with extensive bilateral and multilateral experience, Ambassador Aljarallah is widely respected for his deep understanding of multilateral diplomacy and international development cooperation, including the global challenges relating to food and nutrition security. Ambassador Belal noted that this wealth of experience made the exchange particularly valuable.
The discussions underscored the strong convergence between the CFC's mandate and Kuwait's longstanding commitment to international development cooperation. Ambassador Belal warmly congratulated the Government and people of Kuwait for their remarkable record as one of the world's leading development partners. He observed that Kuwait has earned global recognition for its generous support to developing countries through humanitarian assistance and long-term development finance and commended the State of Kuwait for maintaining this tradition of generosity even during a period marked by global economic uncertainty and multiple international crises.
Ambassador Aljarallah welcomed the introduction to the CFC and expressed appreciation for the Fund's contribution to sustainable development.
"Food security, poverty alleviation and the eradication of hunger remain among the foremost priorities of the international community. Sustainable agricultural development and stronger rural economies are essential for achieving lasting prosperity and stability. Kuwait values international partnerships that contribute to these objectives and looks forward to learning more about the important work of the Common Fund for Commodities."
The meeting also explored the strong alignment between the CFC's work and Kuwait's priorities in sustainable agriculture, resilient food systems, agricultural investment and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. Both sides agreed that these shared priorities provide a promising basis for future dialogue and cooperation.
Ambassador Belal stated:
"The Common Fund for Commodities greatly values Kuwait's longstanding leadership in international development and humanitarian assistance. We believe there is significant potential to build a partnership that combines Kuwait's development vision with the CFC's specialized expertise in commodity finance to improve food security, create sustainable livelihoods and strengthen rural economies across the developing world."
Ambassador Aljarallah welcomed the continuation of the dialogue and invited Ambassador Belal to visit Kuwait at a mutually convenient time to meet with the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED) and other relevant national institutions to further explore opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation in support of sustainable agriculture, food security and rural development.
Both sides agreed to maintain close communication and explore opportunities for deeper engagement between Kuwait and the CFC. Ambassador Belal expressed his sincere appreciation for the warm reception and reaffirmed the CFC's readiness to work closely with Kuwait and its development institutions in identifying practical initiatives that can improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers, strengthen agricultural SMEs and build more resilient and sustainable commodity value chains across the developing world.