On March 8, 2023, Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu met at request with Director-General Qu Dongyu of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). They exchanged views on China-FAO cooperation, the advancement of the Global Development Initiative (GDI) and other topics.

Ma Zhaoxu said that the FAO is the largest specialized agency for global governance of food and agriculture  within the framework of the United Nations, and China supports FAO’s  status and role, appreciates Director-General Qu Dongyu for his active leadership in overcoming the pandemic and contributing to global poverty reduction and food security, and stands ready to strengthen cooperation with the FAO to promote practical cooperation in key fields of the GDI, and build a beautiful homeland featuring zero poverty and zero hunger.

Qu Dongyu expressed that as Director-General of the FAO, he has performed his duty in an active manner, and promoted the development of a global agrifood system to be more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable. Qu Dongyu thanks China for its long-standing support to the FAO, expressed his appreciation to China for its achievements and contribution to the world in poverty reduction and food security in recent years. He expects that both sides will further strengthen cooperation within the GDI framework, and jointly promote the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development at a faster pace.