IDC Executive Director, Russian Agriculture Minister Discuss Strategic Directions of International Dates Council

International Dates Council (IDC) Executive Director Princess Sarah bint Bandar bin Abdulaziz met yesterday with Russian Federation Minister of Agriculture Oksana Lut on the sidelines of the 2026 St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.

 During the meeting, the two sides discussed Russia’s accession to membership of the IDC, in addition to ways to strengthen international cooperation and partnerships to support the growth of the dates sector and develop related value chains at the global level.

 Princess Sarah briefed the Russian side on the council’s strategic directions, future priorities, and the initiatives and projects it is implementing in cooperation with member states and international partners, aimed at increasing the sector’s economic value and strengthening its presence in global markets.

 The meeting also highlighted the role of the International Dates Observatory as a promising digital platform that the council is establishing to serve as a specialized reference for monitoring and analyzing global trade and economic data and indicators related to dates. Its anticipated role in supporting decision-making for governments and investors was also discussed, with the Russian side expressing interest in the observatory, including the tools and information it is expected to provide, in support of trade development and the exploration of investment opportunities.

 At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides emphasized the importance of continuing coordination and exchanging expertise and knowledge in a manner that contributes to achieving shared objectives and enhancing the international economic development of the palm and dates sector.