Han Jun, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China, attended the World Food Day global ceremony and FAO’s 80th Anniversary celebration in Rome on October 16 at the invitation of the organization and delivered remarks.
Minister Han noted that President Xi Jinping’s congratulatory letter on the FAO’s 80th anniversary fully underscores the great value the Chinese government put on global food security and reflects China’s firm determination and historical commitment to advancing the building of a community with a shared future for mankind. Han emphasized that China will earnestly follow the guiding principles outlined in President Xi’s letter, fully carry out the Global Development Initiative, and work with the FAO and all parties to make unremitting efforts toward a world free of hunger.
Minister Han pointed out that global food security is now facing multiple challenges, which require the international community to build consensus and take collective action. He stated that global society should enhance bilateral and multilateral communication and exchange among governments, deepen practical cooperation, further increase investments in food and agricultural systems, accelerate the adoption of advanced equipment and technologies in the Global South, and continue to advance the reform of the global food and agriculture governance systems.
Minister Han also noted that China seeks to further deepen mutually beneficial agricultural cooperation with all countries, strengthen policy coordination, enhance science and technology exchange, and jointly improve the resilience and vitality of the global food industry and supply chains so as to improve global food security. Additionally, China stands ready to deepen exchange and cooperation on poverty reduction with all countries, share its successful experiences with the rest of the world, and work with the international community to help more developing countries identify poverty reduction paths suited to their national realities and to advance global poverty reduction efforts, thus making greater contributions to building a community with a shared future of zero poverty and common development.
During his stay in Rome, Minister Han also attended two key events where he delivered remarks: the side event on poverty reduction and rural development jointly organized by China and Brazil, and the Ministerial Dialogue on South–South and Triangular Cooperation convened by the FAO. Rosangela Lula da Silva, First Lady of Brazil, and FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu attended the events.
Minister Han noted that the Chinese government has always placed poverty eradication in a prominent position in its governance. China has achieved the largest and most decisive victory in the battle against poverty in human history, established a sound monitoring and assistance mechanism to prevent poverty from re-emerging, and continuously sustained and strengthened poverty alleviation outcomes. China has demonstrated to the world that poverty can not only be overcome but its recurrence can also be prevented.
Minister Han put forward three proposals. First, establish a regular policy dialogue and experience-sharing mechanism on poverty reduction, focusing on issues such as poverty reduction and development. Second, implement poverty reduction projects, foster the promotion and adoption of improved varieties, advanced agricultural machinery, and suitable technologies, and deepen practical cooperation. Third, build platforms for poverty reduction to encourage open and inclusive partnerships.
Minister Han emphasized that the Chinese government highly values South–South cooperation, upholds the vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind, and actively assumes its international responsibilities through extensive technical assistance to jointly advance the global fight against hunger and poverty. He proposed that South–South and triangular cooperation should be founded on equality and mutual trust, with countries making full use of mechanisms such as the Annual Consultation Meeting of South–South Cooperation in Agriculture to enhance food security and improve the well-being of people worldwide. He also suggested providing greater multidimensional support to developing countries, focusing on realizing inclusive, practical, and exemplary flagship projects. China stands ready to conduct targeted initiatives in knowledge sharing, technology promotion, and capacity building, helping host countries tap the growth potential of their agricultural and rural sectors.
During the events, Minister Han also met with FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu, and held talks with Jia Guide, Chinese Ambassador to Italy. He also attended the inauguration ceremony of the Permanent Mission of the People’s Republic of China to the UN Agencies in Rome and visited the Centro Tori Chiacchierini in Italy.
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