Lebanon has assumed the 2026 chairmanship of the Near East Regional Group at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), during a meeting held at FAO headquarters in Rome. 

The presidency was officially transferred from Kuwait to Lebanon, with Iraq appointed vice-chair. 

Ambassador Carla Jazzar affirmed Lebanon’s commitment to regional cooperation and institutional reform within the organization. 

Member states expressed full support for Lebanon’s leadership. 

The meeting also confirmed the United Arab Emirates as host of the upcoming FAO Regional Conference, while noting Sudan’s formal reservation without affecting the decision.