Pyongyang - From 10 to 13 December 2018, Dr Vincent Martin, Representative of FAO China and the the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) arrived in Pyongyang, DPRK to participate in the multidisciplinary mission to review the agriculture sector and food and nutrition security in the country and met with senior government officials to enhance collaboration between FAO and DPRK.

The overall objective of the mission is to review the agriculture sector and food and nutrition security situation that will lead to the formulation of a broader strategy, aiming to strengthen food and nutrition security in DPRK and further efforts on resource mobilization. The Livestock Officer from FAO headquarters Anne Mottet, the International Livelihood expert Sunder Subramanian, as well as International Consultants Tim Zachernuk were part of the mission.

During the three-day visit, Dr Vincent Martin firstly met with Mr Kim Chang Min, Director General of Department of International Organizations of Ministry of Foreign Affairs at Kobangsan Guesthouse and reviewed the collaboration between FAO and the Government of DPRK.

Dr Martin appreciated the reform introduced by the government of DPRK in the agricultural sector and its commitment to improve farmers’ livelihoods, as the agricultural sector is estimated to contribute to one quarter of the country’s GDP.

In the following days, Dr Martin also met with Mr Pak Won Sik, Senior officer of Academy of Agricultural Sciences, the national project coordinator of breeding project, and Mr Ri Kyong Kun, Director of Veterinary Department of Ministry of Agriculture. Both parties discussed the African Swine Fever (ASF) situation in China and the likelihood of the disease spreading into DPRK and its subsequent threat on the pig production sector. Through the discussion, it was clear that the ASF Diagnostic capacity needs to be strengthened, as well as the preparation to respond to any incursion of the disease.

Dr Martin also met with the Ambassador of Sweden Jonas Wendel to review ongoing collaboration and more specifically the FAO Swedish-funded emergency project.