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During his official visit to Rome, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met with Cindy McCain, Executive Director of the United Nations World Food Program (WFP).

According to Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the meeting was a good opportunity to discuss the partnership between Kazakhstan and the UN WFP in solving the problem of global food security.

The Head of State spoke about the measures implemented by Kazakhstan to ensure global food security and provide humanitarian assistance through international organizations, including the Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS) and the UN.

In 2023, Kazakhstan provided humanitarian assistance to six countries for $9.2 million. Against the background of the difficult humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, Kazakhstan donated $1 million to the people of Palestine and delivered two shipments of humanitarian aid. Financial assistance was also provided to Afghanistan, Turkey, Pakistan, and other countries affected by natural disasters.

The President paid special attention to the situation in Afghanistan. In his opinion, the international community must continue to make efforts to prevent a humanitarian crisis in that country.

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said that work is currently underway to establish a UN Regional Center for Sustainable Development Goals for Central Asia and Afghanistan in Almaty. The activities of this Center will streamline the interagency coordination of the United Nations in Central Asia to strengthen regional peace, security, and sustainable development.

At the end of the meeting, the Head of State invited Cindy McCain to take part in the upcoming Astana International Forum.