MAKKAH — The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) signed a memorandum of understanding with the Central Islamic Council of Thailand (CICOT) on the sidelines of the third Makkah Halal Forum.The signing ceremony took place at the Makkah Chamber Exhibitions and Events Center in the presence of senior officials, including Royal Court Advisor and Council of Senior Scholars member Sheikh Dr. Saad Al-Shathri; Minister of Commerce Dr. Majid Al-Qasabi; Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) Gov. Dr. Saad Al-Qasabi; SFDA CEO and Chairman of the Saudi Halal Center Dr. Hisham Aljadhey; and Makkah Chamber Chairman and President of the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development Abdullah Saleh Kamel.The MoU was signed by Saudi Halal Center CEO Eng. Abdulaziz Al-Rashoudi and CICOT Secretary General Maj. Gen. Surin Palare.The agreement aims to enhance bilateral cooperation and support the development of the global halal ecosystem. It seeks to strengthen the international standing of the halal sector, promote halal trade, and contribute to economic diversification while expanding market access for halal products.The partnership also supports the Saudi Halal Center’s efforts to position the Halal Mark as a globally recognized standard and to expand the reach of the Halal Academy in training professionals and building sector capacity.