Director-General and Deputy Prime Minister of Ethiopia to further strengthen existing collaboration

FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu and H.E. Demeke Mekonnen, Deputy Prime Minister of Ethiopia, in talks today discussed strong partnership and support between the country and the Organization.

The parties noted the efforts put in place by the new Government in prioritizing reforms to support the country’s economic, political and social development.

During the meeting, the Deputy Prime Minister of Ethiopia underscored the key role played by agriculture, as well as the need to modernize the sector, and presented innovation and accessibility to markets as great ways to promote youth engagement in agriculture.

The FAO Director-General, was in agreement with ideas shared. He highlighted that these actions require coherent policies which would also incentive work in the agricultural sector and recalled the importance of role that international standards set by the Codex Alimentarius Commission can play in accessing markets The two reaffirmed that they would work more closely together on food systems and nutrition, especially the promotion of healthy diets in Ethiopia.