Director-General and Italy’s Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs highlight the importance of a strong collaboration between Italy and the Rome-based agencies

18 September 2019, Rome - FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu met H.E. Elisabetta Belloni, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy, to exchange views on further strengthening the collaboration between FAO and the host country.

Italy and FAO share common views on development cooperation strategies and priorities. During the meeting, both agreed on further strengthening ties to help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

They discussed the importance of a strong collaboration between the Rome-based agencies based on the complementarity of their mandates as well as transparency and inclusiveness.

H.E. Elisabetta Belloni mentioned that they are in the process to conclude the work on the commissary and the restauration of the FAO building.

The Director-General presented the new Hand in Hand initiative of FAO as an excellent opportunity for Italy to support countries. He also recalled the great significance of digitalization and scientific innovation in the agricultural sector.

Italy is sharing with FAO advanced research and technology development results on integrated approaches to sustainability, agricultural innovation, food and nutrition and processing and value addition.

The two also agreed on the importance of preserving local food habits and agricultural traditions, noting that the Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems Programme (GIAHS) that designates outstanding landscapes with agricultural biodiversity, resilient ecosystems and a valuable cultural heritage, can foster tourism and improve rural livelihoods.