Monrovia - The new Country Representative of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) to Liberia, Ms Mariatou Njie has pledged FAO strongest commitment in assisting the Government of Liberia to achieve food security.

Presenting her letter of credence to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon Gbehzohngar Findley at his office in Monrovia, Ms. Mariatou Njie assured the Government that FAO Director General, Jose Graziano da Silva, is supportive of recent statements from President George Weah that one of the top priorities of the government is to eradicate poverty.

She informed the Minister that: “FAO is a specialised Agency of the United Nation that leads international efforts in the fight against hunger, and FAO has the comparative advantage to assist the government achieve food and nutrition security. FAO as specialised institution in food and agriculture goal is to assist member countries eradicate poverty and to achieve food security for all.  “We at FAO believe that we are best placed to assist the government meet this noble objective.”

She mentioned that as a result of the Ebola crisis, many sectors of government including agriculture were overwhelmed. She added that FAO stands ready to support the strengthening of these institutions to enhance farmers’ capacities to develop the rural sector through the development of agriculture which is one of the sectors that plays key role in the development of the economy.

The FAO Head of Mission noted that Liberia is a great country with a lot of potentials and opportunities and hardworking people eager to take the nation to higher heights especially in the areas of food security, fishery, forestry and rural development.

She then pledged FAO’s continued commitment and collaboration with the Government and people of Liberia to achieve food security.

“Our goal is to achieve food security for all and make sure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives,” she concluded.

Welcoming the new FAO Country Representative to Liberia, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Gbehzohngar Findley said the Government as a long-standing partner to FAO in the fight against hunger, welcomes all efforts in buttressing its development priorities.

“Let me assure you that the Government of Liberia will support your efforts in ensuring that farmers have the necessary support in the country,” he added.

Minister Findley further assured FAO that under the new administration of President George Weah, the government will continue to support the efforts of development partners in the country to meet the Pro-Poor Agenda requirements.

He recalled FAO’s enormous contribution to food security and agriculture as well as the organization’s efforts to assist the government combat the Ebola Virus Disease. He said the Government and people of Liberia are delighted for FAO’s assistance to the country during the crisis.