Amir’s int’l humanitarian role wins FAO chief praise

‘Kuwait, FAO ties strong’

By Mehdi Al-Nimr

ROME, Oct 17, (KUNA): Director General of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Qu Dongyu praised on Thursday the pioneering role of His Highness the Amir (of Kuwait) Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah in leading the humanitarian and development action globally.

In a meeting with Kuwait Permanent Representative and the current Chairman of the Arab group at FAO, Yousif Jheil, Qu Dongyu underscored importance of the strong partnership between FAO and Kuwait in coping with international, regional and national challenges.

During the meeting, both sides discussed ways of cooperation between FAO and the Near East and North African nations and reviewed efforts to develop cooperation and partnership.

In a statement to KUNA, the Permanent Delegation at FAO said that the meeting dealt with strengthening work in FAO’s regional and sub-regional offices in the Arab region, ways to strengthen communication between representatives of group countries and field offices.

Moreover, the two sides underlined necessity of benefiting from national expertise and cadres in the Arab countries.

It expressed common desire to develop cooperation with Kuwait toward activating the Partnership and Association Agreement.

It stressed on following-up on recruitment of Kuwaiti cadres and prospected, sustainable model national projects.

Qu Dongyu praised Kuwaiti initiatives to cope with emergencies resulting from hunger and high food prices like the establishment of “the decent life fund” and the National Fund for Small and Medium Enterprise (SME).

He expressed his intention to upgrade and expand cooperation with Kuwait, pointing to its strong contributions, which were culminated in the directives of His Highness the Amir and his pioneering humanitarian initiatives in supporting the work of international organizations.

He also referred to the anniversary of designating His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah as the leader of humanitarian action.

On his part, Jheil said in a statement to KUNA he agreed with the Director-General of FAO on the necessity of developing coordination with the region to execute FAO’s policies and perform activities.

He pointed out the common desire to discuss mechanisms to mobilize resources between international institutions and civil donors.

This will ensure the organization and delivery of grants to target groups more efficiently and effectively, especially in Syria, Yemen, and Africa, he explained.

He welcomed the desire of the organization’s Director to expand partnership with Kuwait, and the willingness of FAO to contribute at all levels to the development of aquaculture strategies in Kuwait.

He also welcomed discussing the possibility of assisting in the establishment of pilot projects to develop the best international experience in the sector of fish farming, which is increasing in importance.