Share
On 9 April 2025, the Executive Director of the International Olive Council (IOC), Jaime Lillo, welcomed the Ambassador of Syria, H.E. Dr Abdullah Hallak, to the Organisation’s headquarters. The meeting was also attended by the two Deputy Executive Directors, Abderraouf Laajimi and Imdat Pekdemir.
During the visit, Ambassador Hallak expressed Syria’s strong interest in rejoining the IOC. Syria is a significant producer of both olive oil and table olives, and is keen to strengthen its engagement with the international olive sector.
Discussions focused on Syria’s desire to modernise its official laboratories, and to participate actively in IOC initiatives related to capacity building and knowledge transfer. The IOC welcomed this renewed interest and expressed its readiness to support Syria’s reintegration into the organisation.
