Vladimir Karanik, Chairman of the Presidium of the NAS of Belarus, met today with Qu Dongyu, Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). The parties discussed promising areas and mechanisms for cooperation, emphasizing their mutual interest in strengthening partnerships in food security and sustainable agricultural development.
"We highly value our collaboration with the FAO, which aims to improve agricultural efficiency and rural development overall. We are committed to further fruitful collaboration and deepening cooperation. We have much to offer other countries in terms of food security, agricultural production, processing, and preservation," said Vladimir Karanik. He also added that food security cannot be ensured without scientific support, proper breeding, and the necessary nitrogen and mineral fertilizers. "Ensuring food security is a global and complex task that can only be solved through joint efforts, including the participation of international organizations like the FAO," the head of the Academy of Sciences emphasized.
In turn, Qu Dongyu praised Belarus's achievements and contribution to food security. He emphasized that three key elements are essential for successfully combating hunger: political will of the country's management, strong scientific potential, and the hard work of its citizens. According to Qu Dongyu, Belarus possesses all of these elements.
"We are ready to strengthen cooperation with Belarus, including in the scientific field through the National Academy of Sciences, and to find new areas for joint work," said the FAO Director-General.
During the meeting, special attention was paid to the exchange of scientific knowledge and technologies, as well as joint work on projects aimed at improving the efficiency of the agro-industrial complex. The parties expressed their readiness to conduct joint initiatives and research, as well as implement joint projects in the areas of digitalization of agriculture, innovative and progressive farming methods, and breeding.
