BEIRUT, April 23 (Xinhua) -- Lebanese Agriculture Minister Nizar Hani signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Italy on Thursday to strengthen bilateral agricultural cooperation, according to the National News Agency.
The agreement was reached during Hani's official visit to Rimini, Italy, where he took part in the international "Macfrut" exhibition, a global event focused on fruit, vegetables, and agricultural technologies.
At the signing ceremony, Hani highlighted the challenges facing Lebanon's agricultural sector, noting that Israeli attacks had damaged around 22.5 percent of the country's agricultural land, negatively affecting production, supply chains, and food security.
The MoU covers several areas, including improving product quality through geographical indication systems, upgrading certification and phytosanitary standards in line with European requirements, and supporting rural development, among others. ■
