Bilateral meeting with the Minister for Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition of the Kingdom of Lesotho – H.E. Thabo Mofosi

Rome - Director-General QU Dongyu and His Excellency Thabo Mofosi, Minister for Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition of the Kingdom of Lesotho, met on the sidelines of the 43rd Session of the FAO Conference.

The Minister congratulated the Director-General on his re-election and thanked him for the support provided during his first term, highlighting the Hand-in-Hand (HiH) Initiative, as well as the One Country One Priority Product (OCOP) initiative. He also noted that with FAO’s technical support the country was placing special emphasis on enhancing production and productivity through improved access to inputs and innovation; sustainable natural resources management; and good nutrition through food-based initiatives and education.

Finally, the Minister also conveyed Lesotho’s ongoing commitment to continue engaging with FAO towards the eradication of hunger, achieving the SDGs, and supporting women and youth with job generation in the agrifood sectors.

The Director-General reiterated his commitment to support Lesotho and the African continent in agrifood systems transformation. He also extended his appreciation to His Majesty King Letsie III of the Kingdom of Lesotho, for having confirmed his participation in the Opening Session of the World Food Forum 2023 in October in Rome, as well as his participation in the HiH Investment Forum.

The Director-General also stressed that important linkages with the private sector through HiHi, OCOP and other initiatives are essential to generate targeted action and investment that spur agrifood systems transformation.