Cooperation relations between Morocco and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) were at the heart of discussions, Thursday in Rabat, between the Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccans Residing abroad, Nasser Bourita, and the Director General of the FAO, Qu Dangu.
During these discussions, held on the sidelines of the work of the 33rd FAO regional conference for Africa (April 18-20 in Rabat), the two officials welcomed the exemplary cooperation relations between Morocco and the FAO which recently manifested itself through the signing of the new Cooperation Framework between the two parties for the period 2023-2027. This program, focused on strategic and innovative subjects including food and nutritional security, sustainable rural development and digital agriculture, will allow FAO to better meet Morocco’s expectations in terms of cooperation.
Mr. Bourita congratulated the Director-General for his leadership at the head of FAO and the dynamic that he was able to establish through concrete initiatives having an impact on the reduction of hunger and poverty such as the “ Hand in Hand” and “Green Cities Initiative”. Morocco supports these initiatives which correspond to national priorities in the field of agriculture, he indicated.
The minister also indicated that food security has always represented a strategic priority for Morocco and is at the heart of its new development model for 2035 in accordance with the vision of HM King Mohammed VI.
For his part, the Director General of the FAO welcomed the Moroccan experience in agriculture and the food processing industry, considering that the strategies adopted by Morocco over the last twenty years can constitute an example to follow. for countries in the African region.
He assured that FAO intends to develop its cooperation with the Kingdom of Morocco by favoring South-South and triangular cooperation partnerships.
On the other hand, Morocco, under the leadership of HM King Mohammed VI, has rich experience in water management, said Thursday in Rabat, Mr. Qu Dongyu, stressing that this experience can be shared with FAO members, particularly African countries, facing water shortages
In a press statement following his talks with the Minister of Equipment and Water, Nizar Baraka, the FAO DG stressed the need to exploit water resources intelligently, not only to deal with shortages, but also to develop rural areas and support farmers.
He also highlighted the potential to improve water efficiency and reduce water consumption in urban areas, stressing that this vocation is not only the mission of the Ministry of Water, but an absolute priority for national development.
He also mentioned the desire to strengthen cooperation between the FAO and the Ministry of Equipment and Water with a view to contributing to the strengthening of scientific research in order to better manage water resources in Morocco.
This meeting is part of Mr. Dongyu’s visit to Morocco on the occasion of the 33rd session of the FAO Regional Conference for Africa (ARC33), which is being held from April 18 to 20 in Rabat .
LNT with Map
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– 2024-04-24 10:08:18
