Engage in a Key Bilateral Meeting with President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh of Djibouti
During an official visit to Djibouti, FAO Director-General Dr. QU Dongyu engaged in a critical meeting with President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh. This discussion focused on the pressing agricultural and economic challenges facing the nation.
Key Outcomes from the Bilateral Meeting
President Guelleh commended the FAO for its ongoing support, particularly under the Hand-in-Hand Initiative. This initiative is aimed at facilitating development and addressing the specific needs of Djibouti.
- Importance of the FAO Role: The FAO’s Hand-in-Hand Initiative serves as a crucial framework for accelerating development.
- Development Opportunities: The President identified numerous opportunities that the country could leverage for growth.
- Critical Support Needed: Guelleh emphasized the necessity for FAO assistance in creating sustainable solutions to bolster the economy, especially given the country’s reliance on imported food commodities.
Challenges Facing Djibouti
The meeting shed light on several challenges affecting Djibouti’s population, which is traditionally nomadic. Livestock owners often travel long distances in search of pastures, and limited rainfall exacerbates issues of land degradation and desertification.
- Food Security: The President stressed the urgent need for a green revolution to combat hunger and improve food security.
- Regional Stability: Dr. QU Dongyu acknowledged President Guelleh’s efforts in maintaining stability in a region prone to unrest.
- Strategic Location: Djibouti’s geographic position is key to its potential as a regional economic hub.
Future Collaborations
The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to deepen collaboration. Both leaders expressed hope that the partnership between FAO and Djibouti would yield transformative results for the nation’s development.
