The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) and the Turkish Halal Accreditation Agency (HAK) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the halal sector. The signing took place on the sidelines of the 11th World Halal Summit, held in Istanbul, Turkey, from November 26 to 29.

The signing ceremony was held in the presence of the head of the Saudi delegation to the Summit, H.E. Dr. Saad bin Othman Alkasabi—Governor of the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Standards and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries (SMIIC)—and H.E. Dr. Hisham S. Aljadhey, CEO of SFDA and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Halal Center.

The MoU was signed by Eng. Abdulaziz AlRashoudi, CEO of the Saudi Halal Center, and Mr. Zafer Soylu, Chairman of the Board of Directors of HAK.

The MoU aims to enhance cooperation between the two sides in developing the global halal industry through exchanging expertise and research, organizing joint training programs, seminars and workshops, and coordinating participation in relevant international forums.

This strategic agreement is an extension of SFDA’s ongoing efforts to expand its regional and international partnerships. It is designed to consolidate the Kingdom's role as a global leader in the halal industry and enhance the competitiveness of national products in various international markets, thereby supporting the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.