Khartoum - Her Excellency Amira Gornass, Sudan Ambassador in Rome and Permanent Representative to FAO, IFAD and WFP visited FAO Representation in Sudan with a view to provide updates on the forthcoming 30th FAO Regional Conference for Africa (ARC) slated for 19 to 23 February 2018. The Ambassador was warmly welcomed by Mr. Babagana Ahmadu, the FAO Representative in the Sudan.

The Ambassador exchanged views with the FAO staff in Khartoum on the need for strong coordination between the government and FAO towards successful hosting of the 30^th ARC. Detailed updates on the status of preparations was provided by the FAO staff after which the Ambassador expressed satisfaction with the progress made so far towards the event. She also reiterated on the importance of agriculture for Sudan and the significant contribution of the agriculture sector to the economy and livelihoods of the people in the country. Ambassador Gornass acknowledged with appreciation the role of FAO Sudan in enhancing the prospects of agriculture in the country.   

A National Organizing Committee comprising of FAO and different ministries has been formed to supervise the preparation for the regional conference. To follow up the preparatory works, a mission from the Regional Office for Africa (RAF) is due in the country on 15 January 2018. A consultative meeting of the Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) will take place from 22 to 23 January 2018 in Khartoum and the outcomes of this meeting will be fed into the Regional Conference.