Rome, Italy
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, who is on an official visit to Italy, visited the headquarters of the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) in Rome.
The Head of State, during his meeting with FAO Director General Qu Dongyu, stressed the importance of ensuring global food security and promoting sustainable development of the agro-industrial complex.
– Food shortage is one of the most pressing issues on the global agenda. Kazakhstan endeavours to contribute to solving this problem. Our country is among the leaders in the production of grain crops. The volume of wheat exports reaches about 6 million tonnes. We are among the top ten major producers of grain and flour, – the President Tokayev said.
The President reiterated Kazakhstan's interest in expanding cooperation with the Organisation.
As Kassym-Jomart Tokayev noted, our country is interested in UN expert assistance in improving seed production, combating farmland degradation, promoting green agriculture, and rational and efficient use of water and land resources. Kazakhstan is participating in the FAO's "One Country – one priority product" initiative, which aims to develop sustainable production and trade chains to market unique local agricultural products. The Head of State presented Qu Dongyu the apple fruit called “Aport”.
– Kazakhstan is widely recognized as the birthplace of apples. “Aport” apples are growing in the vicinity of Almaty – the biggest city in Kazakhstan and my hometown. We intend to jointly promote it to global markets. I count on your personal support of our initiative, – the President said.
The Head of State discussed the priorities of our country as the chairman of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea and the Islamic Organisation for Food Security.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev called on FAO to support the development of projects on land reclamation in the Aral Sea basin and water resources management. He also proposed to establish a sub-regional office of the Organisation for Central Asia in Kazakhstan.
The Director General of the Food and Agriculture Organisation noted Kazakhstan's important role in ensuring global food security and providing humanitarian assistance not only in the region but also globally.
In conclusion, the President expressed gratitude to the FAO Head for the informative discussion and extended an invitation to participate in the upcoming Astana International Forum.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev also left a memorable entry in the Book of Honoured Guests.
