In February 2003, the three Rome-based Food agencies--FAO, IFAD, WFP--and the World Bank, launched new joint initiatives to boost agricultural and rural development. FAO Director-General Dr. Jacques Diouf reiterated his determination to work closely with his counterparts towards the achievement of the UN Millennium Development Goal of eradicating extreme poverty and hunger. Later, on 1st of March 2004, the three Agency Heads met with French President Jacques Chirac, in Paris.