4 May 2016, Antalya, Turkey — Appreciation for FAO’s continuous support to Ukraine was expressed by Deputy Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food Olena Kovalova, in a meeting with the Director-General here today on the margins of the 30th FAO Regional Conference for Europe.

The Deputy Minister noted that FAO’s support is aligned with agreed priorities adopted by the new government. Implementation of a value-chain approach, incentives for organic production, and food

4 May 2016, Antalya, Turkey — On the margins of the 30th FAO Regional Conference for Europe, which is taking place here this week, the Director-General met with Turkmenistan’s Deputy Minister for Agriculture and Water Economy Guyzgeldi Bayjanov.

The Deputy Minister expressed appreciation for the support received from FAO, noting that Turkmenistan was the only country in Central Asia with no fixed FAO presence. The imminent opening of an Embassy of

4 May 2016, Antalya, Turkey — Meeting with the Director-General here today, Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan to Turkey Ulfat Kadirov expressed gratitude for FAO support to Uzbekistan and for the Organization’s presence in the country.

The Ambassador requested assistance from FAO to further diversify agricultural production for greater competitiveness on international markets. He emphasised in particular capacity building for organic agriculture.

The Director-General discussed the importance of developing value chains, including food safety which

4 May 2016, Antalya, Turkey — FAO Director-General met here today with Boban Ilik, Secretary General of the Regional Rural Development Standing Working Group in South Eastern Europe, on the margins of FAO’s 30th Regional Conference for Europe.

The two shared their views on an already excellent working relationship between FAO and the Standing Working Group, or SWG, and on support to SWG members in the reform process in agriculture and rural

3 May 2016, Antalya, Turkey — FAO’s Director-General met here today with Eduard Grama, Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry of Moldova, on the margins of the 30th Regional Conference for Europe.

The Minister expressed satisfaction with his country’s collaboration with FAO, in particular in the area of genetic resources for food and agriculture. He requested additional assistance from the Organisation on groundwater resources, especially in relation to agriculture.