Islamabad: Trkiye has expressed a strong interest in bolstering its cooperation with Pakistan in the livestock sector. This was conveyed by Turkish Ambassador Irfan Neziroglu during a meeting with Pakistan's Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain. The meeting took place in Islamabad, where Ambassador Neziroglu led a high-level Turkish delegation.

According to Radio Pakistan, the delegation, which includes experts in livestock, genetics, animal disease control, certification, logistics, and cold chain sectors, is in Pakistan to visit various livestock facilities and slaughterhouses. Their aim is to assess current capacities and identify opportunities for modernization within the sector.

The discussions during the meeting focused on areas such as livestock production, meat processing, animal health systems, and the promotion of livestock exports. Rana Tanveer Hussain highlighted the importance of modernizing livestock production systems, enhancing meat processing facilities, and improving animal health management, which are crucial for food security and boosting exports of livestock products.

One of the key topics was the establishment of a disease-free pilot region in Pakistan to facilitate the export of livestock and animal products. This initiative would involve strengthened disease monitoring, enhanced vaccination protocols, and adherence to international regulatory standards.

The meeting also explored the introduction of digital animal tracking systems to improve livestock traceability and disease control. Furthermore, the potential for cooperation in vaccine supply and joint production of vaccines for diseases such as Foot-and-Mouth Disease and Lumpy Skin Disease was discussed.

The discussions extended to collaboration in developing modern, international-standard slaughterhouses and improving cold chain infrastructure to support the export of meat and livestock products.