AKIPRESS.COM - International non-profit organization CIMMYT and the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance agricultural innovation, food security, and sustainable development across the Turkic countries.

The agreement was formalized on November 5, 2025, during the official visit of Ambassador Kubanychbek Omuraliev, Secretary General of the OTS, to CIMMYT Headquarters in El Batán, Texcoco, Mexico.

The MoU, signed by Bram Govaerts, Director General of CIMMYT, and Amb. Kubanychbek Omuraliev, marks a new phase of collaboration between the two organizations to develop joint research and programs that promote sustainable and resilient agricultural systems across the member states of the OTS.

The new partnership will serve as a catalyst for innovation and regional cooperation, aligning CIMMYT’s 2030 Strategy with the Turkic World Vision 2040. Through this collaboration, both organizations aim to accelerate the development of climate-resilient crops, strengthen seed systems, and enhance food security across the Turkic countries.

During his visit, Ambassador Omuraliyev toured CIMMYT’s research facilities, including the Wellhausen & Anderson Genetic Resources Center, the Maize Quality and Nutrition Laboratory, and the Bioscience Complex, where CIMMYT scientists showcased their work on crop resilience, biodiversity conservation, and innovations in maize and wheat improvement.