UN rep Bairagi presents credentials to FAO's director

THT ONLINE

KATHMANDU: Permanent Representative of Nepal to the United Nations and other international organizations Ambassador Shanker D. Bairagi presented letters of credence to the Director General of Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), José Graziano da Silva, in Rome on Monday.

Following the presentation of credentials amidst a special function at the FAO Headquarters, Ambassado Bairagi had a bilateral meeting with the Director General of the FAO.

Ambassador Mr. Bairagi, while thanking FAO for its continued support to Nepal in the area of food and agriculture for last 60 years, stressed on the need of further support from FAO in strengthening agricultural productivity and food security, thereby helping reduce poverty.

He pointed out to the urgency of a focused attention on mitigating the effects of climate change on food security. In this context, he emphasized the need for providing Nepal with climate resilient technology and specific adaptation support measures.

Expressing concern about the growing phenomenon of trans-boundary animal diseases, he stressed on the need for FAO’s continued technical support. He also expressed thanks to the FAO for taking into account the Istanbul Programme of Action for the LDCs in providing support and underlined the need for its effective implementation.

During the meeting, Director General of the FAO, José Graziano da Silva, assured of continued assistance of FAO to the agriculture and food sectors in Nepal.

He appreciated the role played by Nepal as a member of the FAO and expressed the hope that with representation from Geneva, Nepal would now be able to take part in more activities of the organization.

He also assured that FAO would give a serious consideration to any proposal that Nepal would make in respect of seeking assistance to control trans-boundary animal diseases.

The Director-General also expressed willingness to work closely for the cause of the LDCs in broader perspective.