President Laurentino Cortizo of Panama makes a strong commitment to FAO’s mandate

Panama City - FAO Director-General, QU Dongyu, was received by the President of Panama, Laurentino Cortizo, in the capital city during his one-day visit to the country with their discussions focusing on ways the Organization can support the Central American country in transforming agrifood systems, making them more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable.

Qu highlighted that FAO will continue to provide assistance to the Panamanian government in its efforts to achieve the Four Betters: better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life, leaving no one behind.

The two sides agreed to work together on the design of an innovative agrifood system hub.

The Director-General and President Cortizo also addressed the current international scenario, including the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the conflict in Ukraine. In addition, they discussed how to strengthen the regulatory framework for family farmers, providing them with new technologies to improve production and increase productivity while preserving natural resources.

After the meeting, the FAO Director-General also participated in a round table with the Minister for Agricultural Development, Augusto Valderrama; the Minister for Education, Maruja Gorday; the Minister for Environment, Milciades Concepcion; the Minister for Social Development, Maria Inés Castillo; and the acting Minister for Health, Ivette Berrío. The roundtable was opened by Ana Luisa Castro, Vice-Minister for Multilateral Issues and Cooperation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.