The Ministry of Agriculture honors the head of the FAO office in Palestine on the occasion of the end of his duties and appreciates his role in supporting the resilience of farmers.

⭕ Slaimiya: Agriculture in Palestine is a symbol of resilience and an investment in peace and stability.

⭕Slaimiya: The partnership with FAO and donor countries has had a tangible impact on the agricultural sector.

⭕ Shiro: The resilience of Palestinian farmers and their attachment to their land will remain etched in my memory.

Ramallah: September 1, 2026

The Ministry of Agriculture honored Dr. Shiro, the outgoing head of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) office in Palestine, in recognition of his efforts and role in strengthening the partnership with the Ministry and supporting the agricultural sector and Palestinian farmers. The Ministry emphasized that his contributions during his tenure extended beyond implementing programs and projects to standing alongside farmers in exceptional circumstances and working to bolster their resilience and attachment to their land.

Minister of Agriculture Professor Riziq Slaimiya  stated that the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has been a key partner of the Ministry in implementing emergency interventions, providing technical assistance, strengthening institutional capacities, and supporting livelihoods and sustainable agricultural development. He particularly commended the FAO's continued support for farmers and agricultural families in Gaza Strip during the most difficult circumstances, emphasizing that agriculture in Palestine is not merely an economic sector, but a symbol of resilience, identity, and hope, and that "investing in agriculture is an investment in peace, stability, and human dignity."

Slaimiya also expressed his appreciation for the support provided by donor countries and international partners to the Palestinian agricultural sector, affirming that the partnership between the Ministry of Agriculture, the FAO, governments, and donors has contributed to enhancing food security, protecting livelihoods, and increasing the resilience of agricultural communities to crises. He stressed that supporting farmers is not just an act of humanitarian solidarity, but a long-term investment in stability and sustainable development, calling for the continuation and expansion of these partnerships to better serve the Palestinian agricultural sector.

For his part, Dr. Shiro expressed his gratitude to the Ministry of Agriculture, Minister Slaimiya, and all partners, national institutions, and those working in the agricultural sector. He emphasized that his experience in Palestine was a profound professional and humanitarian one, and that the resilience of Palestinian farmers, their attachment to their land, and their determination to continue working and producing despite the difficult circumstances would remain etched in his memory. He stressed the importance of continuing to support the agricultural sector and enhancing food security and livelihoods for Palestinian communities.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, the Ministry of Agriculture, represented by Minister Slaimiya, the Undersecretary, Assistant Undersecretaries, Directors General, Advisors, and all its staff, expressed its appreciation to Dr. Shiro for his contributions during his tenure, wishing him success in his future endeavors.

Slaimiya expressed his hope that his connection with Palestine would continue even after the end of his official duties, and that he would remain a friend and supporter of the agricultural sector and Palestinian farmers. He noted that "the true measure of a person's life is not its length, but the positive impact they leave behind," and that the impact Shiro had made in supporting farmers would stand as a testament to his dedication, commitment, and service to the Palestinian agricultural sector.