The document was signed in Rome during the visit of the Rosselkhoznadzor delegation headed by Deputy Head of the Service Svetlana Alexeeva. The event was attended by the Director of the fgbi "VGNKI" Leonid Kish and Deputy Director for international cooperation Julia Melano.

The purpose of the signed Protocol agreements – establishment and development of cooperation between the fgbi "VGNKI" and IZSLT research projects of national, regional and international interest. One of the main objectives of this collaboration is joint research in the field of risk assessment of using genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in feed and foods develop and promote new methods of detection and quantification of GMOs, monitoring of unregistered GMOs.

In addition, a Protocol agreement envisages cooperation of the parties in development of quality system and accreditation of laboratories according to international standard ISO/IEC 17025, organizing and participation of staff in scientific symposia and conferences, the mutual exchange of information and publication of joint scientific articles.

During the visit of the Russian delegation at the IZSLT, in addition to the signing of the agreement, the parties discussed the EU legislation in the field of registration and transfer of GMOs, the organization of methodological support for laboratories conducting research on GMOs at the state level, as well as monitoring the potential impact of GMO-containing products (food, feed, vaccines) for human health and animals.

The Russian delegation invited their colleagues of the Experimental Institute of zooprofilattici by regions of Lazio and Tuscany (IZSLT) a study visit to Russia in December.

Experimental Institute for zooprofilattici by regions of Lazio and Tuscany (IZSLT) – one of the ten institutions zooprofilattici Italy, located in different regions of the country and within the National health service. IZSLT carries out research and monitoring in the field of health and animal welfare, and food safety. The composition includes 6 IZSLT national reference centers, including centers for research on GMOs and antibiotic resistance.