Yu Kangzhen, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA) of China, met with Qu Dongyu, Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in Italy. They exchanged their views on deepening bilateral cooperation in agriculture.
Vice Minister Yu said that cooperation between MARA and FAO has enjoyed a long history, and both sides have made their due contributions in terms of food crisis and poverty eradication. China highly appreciates FAO's Hand-in-Hand Initiative and will actively support and participate in the initiative. Regarding the next phase of cooperation, Yu suggested that the two sides should seek new ways of cooperation while upholding a community of shared future for mankind. Efforts should include jointly raising the level of South-South cooperation, strengthening cooperation in human resources, supporting China's rural revitalization strategy, and expanding the influence of globally important agricultural heritage.
Director-General Qu indicated that FAO fully endorsed and supported China's proposals. He said it was imperative to continuously deepen agricultural cooperation and actively promote multilateral cooperation on the basis of bilateral cooperation so as to build an FAO for all.
During the meeting, both sides also exchanged their views on strengthening the prevention and control of cross-border animal diseases such as African swine fever.