Zhang Zhu, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, met with Qu Dongyu, Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in Beijing on May 15. 

Minister Zhang noted that the Chinese government has always been committed to genuine multilateralism, has actively participated in global food and agriculture governance, and has supported developing countries to the best of its ability to improve food security and rural development. He said China will continue to support the FAO in playing a leading role in global food and agriculture governance, and it stands ready to deepen practical cooperation with the FAO in areas such as food security, poverty reduction, agricultural cultural, and human resource development, so as to accelerate the global transformation of agri-food systems and poverty reduction. 

Director-General Qu expressed particular appreciation for China’s historic contributions over the past 81 years to the founding, development, and growth of the FAO. He spoke highly of China’s remarkable achievements in safeguarding food security and reducing poverty and commended China on its important role in advancing the reform of global food and agriculture governance. He also said that the FAO stands ready to deepen practical cooperation with China across the board in support of the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. 

Zhang Zhili, Vice Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, and Godfrey Magwenzi, FAO Deputy Director-General, also attended the meeting.