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The Executive Director of the International Olive Council (IOC), Jaime Lillo, received H.E. Dr Zahoor Ahmed, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Spain, at the Organisation’s headquarters in Madrid on Thursday, 11 September 2025.
Mr Ahmed was accompanied by Muhammad Ali Asghar, Trade & Investment Counsellor, while Aberraouf Laajimi, IOC Deputy Executive Director for operational affairs and Andoni Olano, Head of External Relations, accompanied Mr Lillo.
This important meeting marked a significant step forward in strengthening institutional ties between the IOC and Pakistan. During the visit, Ambassador Ahmed officially submitted a note verbale confirming his country’s intention to accede to the International Agreement on Olive Oil and Table Olives, 2015, and to begin the formal membership process.
The meeting provided an opportunity for both parties to review the current state of the olive sector in Pakistan and to discuss strategic goals for its development. Pakistan’s interest in expanding olive cultivation, modernising processing infrastructure and fostering international cooperation aligns closely with the objectives of the IOC.
The Executive Director presented the main activities of the IOC’s operational units, highlighting the many benefits available to Member States. These include access to technical assistance, participation in research and training programmes, and integration into the Organisation’s standardisation and promotional frameworks.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Lillo handed over an official invitation addressed to Pakistan’s Minister of National Food Security and Research, inviting him to take part in the upcoming celebration of World Olive Day, scheduled for 20 November 2025 in Córdoba, Spain, a special day that will be marked by the signing of a ministerial declaration manifesting the signing countries’ support and compromise with the olive tree and its products.
This meeting reinforces the growing global interest in the olive sector and the expanding role of the IOC as a platform for cooperation and development.
