ASEAN eyes food security coop. with Russia, India

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 19 (KUNA) -- The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) said on Saturday it is seeking to establish cooperation with Russia and India in the field of food security.

The remark was made by Chairperson of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations-Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) Arsjad Rasjid during the 55th ASEAN Economic Ministers' (AEM) Meeting, according to Indonesia's officil news agency.
It came after India and Russia had recently implemented restrictive policies related to their food products, which could threaten global food security.
"If we talk about food security, then we talk about survival, about humans. We speak as ASEAN, and this ASEAN business is very supportive," Rasjid said.
He added that food security is a crucial issue at this time amid the threat of a global food crisis and the impact of climate change.
"The top priority is people. However, we want to make sure our people come first. Therefore, we support every effort made to support food security," he said.
The 55th AEM 2023 is being held from August 17 to 22.
In July 2023, the Indian government officially banned the export of non-basmati white rice to secure domestic rice stocks and restrain price increases in the domestic market as a result of climate change.
Russia had decided to quit the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which is expected to further threaten global food security. (end) ams.mt.