Singapore signs multilateral agreement with Food and Agriculture Organisation

SINGAPORE - Dr Mohamad Maliki Osman, Minister of State for National Development and Defence, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in Rome, Italy on Tuesday.

The MOU was signed with the Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), Dr José Graziano da Silva, on behalf of Singapore.

Together with other world leaders, Dr Maliki attended the 39th session of the FAO from June 8 to 9, for a discussion of the organisation's programme and budget for the next two years.

Speaking at the conference, Dr Maliki shared Singapore's experience in managing an evolving agricultural landscape. He also emphasised the importance of local agriculture as a pillar of Singapore's food security.

The MOU will enable more opportunities for collaboration between Singapore and FAO in areas such as food security and nutrition, street food management, sustainable forestry, and animal and plant health.

"This is part of our continuing effort to boost Singapore's food security, and demonstrates our commitment to contribute advance food security globally, particularly through R&D and technology development," he said.

FAO's Director-General, Dr José Graziano da Silva was confident that the agreement would further strengthen regional and global exchanges in the realm of food and agriculture.

"It represents a major step for Singapore and FAO in the global development area," said Dr da Silva.

"We look forward to a growing partnership."

The FAO leads international efforts to alleviate hunger and poverty by promoting agricultural development, improved nutrition and the pursuit of food security. Singapore has been a member of the FAO since June 2013.

ngilaine@sph.com.sg

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