Discussion was held on expanding cooperation between Azerbaijan and Latvia in the field of food safety

A meeting was held between Qoshgar Tehmezli, the head of the Azerbaijan Food Safety Agency (AQTA), and Normunds Smit, the deputy minister of agriculture of the Republic of Latvia.

During the meeting, Q. Tehmezli provided information about the work being done in Azerbaijan to ensure food safety, as well as the measures being taken in this direction in cooperation with international organizations and foreign countries.

Subsequently, discussions were held on expanding relations between Azerbaijan and Latvia in the field of circulation of food products, and negotiations were held between the two institutions within the framework of the "Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the Field of Food Safety between the Azerbaijan Food Safety Agency and the Food and Veterinary Service of the Republic of Latvia" regarding the circulation of food products between Azerbaijan and Latvia, the situation regarding the approval of institutions exporting high-risk products to our country, and the recognition of equivalence of the food safety control system between our countries. Attention was also paid to the import and export operations of food products, as well as phytosanitary and veterinary control, between Azerbaijan and Latvia. Additionally, discussions were held on expanding joint participation in international projects in the field of food safety, as well as exchanging experience and training opportunities for experts. Work to improve the epizootic situation in the region and its alignment with international standards, as well as efforts to increase the recognition of competent authorities of the two countries internationally, were discussed within the framework of cooperation with the World Organization for Animal Health. Furthermore, discussions were held on expanding the export of agricultural products from our country to Latvia and studying the international experience in the accreditation process of the "Red Bridge" Food Safety Control Point.

Other issues of mutual interest were also touched upon during the meeting