RIYADH: “Value Engineering” is the theme of the third Middle East Poultry Expo, to be held at Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center from May 13-15.

Sponsored by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, the exhibition is the largest in the poultry industry and will feature over 300 companies from 40 countries, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The event will bring together international companies and experts in the poultry industry and showcase the latest technologies and innovations in poultry breeding, production, animal health and the feed industry.

It aims to promote the use of modern technologies, foster the exchange of experiences and best practices, develop the poultry industry, enhance investment opportunities, and contribute to gross domestic product growth to achieve national food security objectives, according to SPA.

More than 800 products from the poultry industry’s supply chain will be exhibited with the goal of promoting trade, encouraging scientific exchange and building business networks in the largest poultry markets in the Middle East and North Africa.

Those taking part include government bodies and institutions, associations, companies and nonprofit organizations in the livestock sector.

The three-day exhibition will also feature the Poultry Knowledge Planet Seminar, featuring experts from major international companies, and a number of scientific lectures.

RIYADH: Jasem Albudaiwi, secretary-general of the Gulf Cooperation Council, said that member countries value their Islamic roots and aim to strengthen ties with other Islamic nations at all levels.

“The GCC countries have always extended their hands for cooperation and to establish fruitful partnerships with all Islamic countries, believing in the importance of this deep connection derived from our culture, religion and prophetic tradition.”

He made the comments Saturday during the 15th session of the Islamic Summit Conference in Banjul, the capital of Gambia.

Delegations from the 57 OIC member states attended the conference, organized by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation under the theme “Enhancing unity and solidarity through dialogue for sustainable development.”.

In his speech, Albudaiwi, said: “Today, we gather while the world is facing numerous and escalating challenges. In light of these dangerous developments, the role of the GCC and the OIC as two active forces to confront the multiple crises in our region and the world as a whole becomes prominent.

“The common challenges we face require collective action and solidarity to promote the values of peace and prosperity, particularly considering what Palestine and the Gaza Strip are subjected to — a brutal attack by Israeli occupation forces.”

Albudaiwi also highlighted the key outcomes of the extraordinary Arab-Islamic joint summit held in Riyadh last year. This meeting led to the creation of a ministerial committee to travel the world, seeking to aid and protect the Palestinian people in Gaza by reducing violence, safeguarding civilians, and reviving peace initiatives.

He praised the role played by this committee in stopping the aggression in the Gaza Strip, a role that is aligned with those of the GCC and other Arab and Islamic organisations.

The GCC chief noted that after more than 211 days, the Palestinian people in Gaza continue to suffer from the ongoing violence perpetrated by the occupying forces, with 35,000 people — mostly children and women — having died at an average rate of 165 deaths per day.

He also pointed out the significant threats to security and stability, especially because the escalating crises in the Middle East are linked to the turmoil in Palestine and Gaza.

“The ongoing Israeli aggression requires us all to renew our commitment to collective and responsible action in supporting the Palestinian people and their legitimate rights,” he said.

Albudaiwi also emphasized the need to prioritize sustainable development in the agendas of the GCC and the OIC. “It requires all of us to work together to address the environmental and economic challenges that affect our countries and peoples. Additionally, we must enhance cooperation in the fields of science, technology, and innovation to support sustainable development projects.”