ISLAMABAD, MAY 8 /DNA/ – The Ambassador of Pakistan to Spain, Zahoor Ahmed, signed the Instrument of Accession for Pakistan’s full membership of the International Olive Council (IOC) at its headquarters in Madrid today. The Executive Director of the International Olive Council, Mr. Jaime Lillo, was also present on the occasion.

Pakistan’s accession to the IOC marks an important milestone in the country’s efforts to promote olive cultivation, strengthen its olive oil sector and benefit from international expertise, research, technical cooperation and best practices in the olive industry. Last year, Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research of Pakistan, Mr. Rana Tanveer Hussain, led Pakistan’s delegation to the 122nd Session of the Council of Members of the International Olive Council, held in Córdoba, where Pakistan participated as an observer. During the session, he presented Pakistan’s candidature for IOC membership and highlighted the country’s growing potential in olive cultivation and olive oil production. This year, Pakistan is expected to participate as a full member in 123rd  of the Council of Members in June 2026.

Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador Dr. Zahoor Ahmed highlighted Pakistan’s growing potential in olive production, particularly in view of its suitable climate, expanding olive cultivation areas and ongoing national initiatives to develop the sector. He stated that Pakistan’s full membership of the IOC would open new avenues for cooperation in capacity building, quality standards, research, technology transfer and market development.

The Executive Director welcomed Pakistan as a full member of the organization and expressed his confidence that Pakistan’s accession would further strengthen cooperation with the IOC and support the development of Pakistan’s olive sector.

The signed Instrument of Accession will be deposited with the United Nations Treaty Section, completing the formal treaty process for Pakistan’s membership of the International Olive Council.

The International Olive Council, headquartered in Madrid, is the world’s leading intergovernmental organization in the field of olives and olive oil. Pakistan’s membership will help strengthen its engagement with global partners and support the development of the country’s olive value chain.