Cairo, Egypt - FAO's Director-General QU Dongyu today met with Ezz El Din Abu Steit, Egypt's Minister for Agriculture and Land Reclamation.

The Minister expressed his appreciation for the Director-General’s participation in the World Youth Forum, which kicked off yesterday.

He also conveyed his support for FAO’s Hand-in-Hand Initiative, which aims to create "matchmaking" between donors and recipients to support tailor-made, targeted efforts to assist vulnerable people in the Developing Countries, as well as those affected by food crises.

They agreed on strengthening their collaboration – all with the aim of supporting Egypt’s rural development, as well as youth and women engaged in agricultural activities.

They also discussed the importance of identifying new ways for development in Africa, including efforts to reduce poverty. They highlighted the need to strengthen value chains in food systems and agriculture, boost capacity development and collaboration with the private sector.