FAO Representative Calls on Foreign Minister
Representative of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations (UN) to the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, Ms. Gillian Smith, today, called on Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the Honourable Hugh Todd.
Noting the present potential of Guyana, the FAO Representative said the Organization aimed to provide countries with information to help them be at the right tables to make a case.
In his turn, Minister Todd expressed his gratitude to Ms. Smith for her continued support.
“The FAO is vital to Guyana and other small economies. We know that agriculture is our future and we must maintain our food security,” he stressed.
“We have a vibrant agricultural institute and I am confident that we can advance and with your technical support, we can be guided to the right tables and discussions so that as a region, we will benefit at the global level.”
“I believe your organization will add to the basket of institutions that will further national development and we need all of our partners on board to move forward,” said the Foreign Minister.
Guyana and FAO have a long history of collaboration that has served to promote sustainable agricultural systems and contribute to hunger and poverty alleviation in the country. Since the re-opening of FAO’s country office in 2009, cooperation has increased, with growing emphasis on technical and policy assistance as well as capacity building, advocacy, and knowledge exchange.