Rome, September 18, 2019. Qu Dongyu, the newly elected Director General of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, internationally known as FAO, received the Permanent Representative of Cuba of that body International organization based in Rome, José Carlos Rodríguez Ruiz.
During the meeting, the Cuban representative highlighted the coincidence that exists between the work priorities of the Cuban Government and the strategic objectives of FAO, as well as the firm commitment of his country to continue strengthening the relations of collaboration with the Organization. In line with this, he noted the Cuban willingness to continue providing cooperation to other countries through the various modalities, including South-South and triangular cooperation.
"With Cuba's entry to the FAO Council, in July 2020 - reiterated the Ambassador - we will strengthen our contribution to the Agency, in order to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)."
In addressing the adversities facing agricultural production in the country, Rodríguez denounced that the major obstacle is the resurgence of the US blockade against the people of Cuba, with the aim of creating hardships and discomfort in the people. He referred in particular to the cruel financial persecution and the obstruction of oil supplies to Cuba, which has a significant negative impact on the efforts undertaken by the Cuban Government to strengthen national food production and security.
Rodriguez said the US blockade is also a flagrant and massive violation by a foreign power of Human Rights of the entire Cuban people, while severely lacing the right to food.
For his part, FAO Director General Qu Dongyu, who warmly received the Permanent Representative of the Cuban archipelago, said Cuba is not alone and has the strong support of FAO and the international community.
During the meeting, the Director General recalled his visits to Cuba as part of teams of Chinese experts and tours of different scientific institutions in the country. He recalled, in particular, the meetings held with the Leader of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro Ruz.
Qu Dongyu, who has been in the position of FAO Director General for only one month, said that one of his first work priorities is aimed at supporting developing countries through the Hand in Hand initiative. English), which includes small island developing states (SIDS) in the first group of beneficiary countries. He was emphatic in pointing out that he was ready to work with Cuba.
As part of Cuba's active actions to guarantee food security and nutrition, and in correspondence with the close ties with FAO, the “Strategic support for sustainable food security in Cuba” (SAS) program will soon be signed with the European Union -Cuba.
The country's potentials are clearly set up. Approximately, Cuba has 11 million hectares of available land; of them about 6 million dedicated mainly to various crops and livestock. In addition, another 3.5 million belong to forestry development. (@CubaONURoma)