Madrid, GNP: Pakistan has formally signed the Instrument of Accession to become a full member of the International Olive Council (IOC), marking an important milestone in the country’s efforts to strengthen its olive sector and expand international cooperation.
The signing ceremony took place at the IOC headquarters in Madrid, where Pakistan’s Ambassador to Spain, H.E. Dr. Zahoor Ahmed, signed the document in the presence of IOC Executive Director Mr. Jaime Lillo.
Pakistan’s accession to the council is expected to open new opportunities for cooperation in capacity building, quality standards, research, technology transfer and market development. Officials said the membership would also help Pakistan benefit from international expertise, technical cooperation and best practices in olive cultivation and olive oil production.
Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador Dr. Zahoor Ahmed highlighted Pakistan’s growing potential in olive production, citing its suitable climate, expanding cultivation areas and ongoing national initiatives to develop the sector. He said full membership of the IOC would strengthen Pakistan’s engagement with global partners and support the development of its olive value chain.
Pakistan had previously participated as an observer at the 122nd Session of the Council of Members of the International Olive Council held in Córdoba last year. During that session, Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain led Pakistan’s delegation and presented the country’s candidature for membership, while emphasizing Pakistan’s rising potential in olive cultivation and olive oil production.
The Executive Director of the IOC welcomed Pakistan as a full member and expressed confidence that the country’s accession would further deepen cooperation and contribute to the growth of its olive industry.
The signed Instrument of Accession will now be deposited with the United Nations Treaty Section, completing the formal treaty process for Pakistan’s membership of the council.
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Headquartered in Madrid, the International Olive Council is the world’s leading intergovernmental organization dedicated to olives and olive oil.
