BEIJING: Three United Nations Rome-based agencies have voiced support to the “Belt and Road” initiative as they said they are ready to explore opportunities offered by the initiative.
In a joint statement with the Chinese Agriculture Ministry, the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), the International Fund for Agricultural Development and the United Nations World Food Programme said they welcome the Chinese government’s initiative as it would offer potential opportunities in line with their respective missions.
The statement was released after the China-UN Agencies for Food and Agriculture Roundtable on South-South Cooperation on Saturday in Xi’an, capital of Shaanxi province.
Jose Graziano da Silva, director-general of the FAO, said that the FAO recognises the value of initiative, and it will work to develop a new structure of cooperation with China under that framework.
The roundtable was the first of its kind held between the Chinese government and the three UN agencies.
Minister of Agriculture Han Changfu said closer cooperation between China and the three agencies will help the realisation of the UN 2030 sustainable development agenda for global poverty alleviation.
The Chinese agricultural ministry has also signed a memorandum of understanding for establishing an all-round strategic partnership with the FAO.
The Chinese Agriculture Ministry and Finance Ministry also signed a memorandum of understanding with the International Fund for Agricultural Development. — China Daily/Asia News Network
