Director-General QU Dongyu

Bilateral meeting with H.E. Paulo Rangel, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Portugal

©FAO/Giulio Napolitano

23/01/2025

Rome - The FAO Director-General, QU Dongyu, met with H.E. Paulo Rangel, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Portugal at the FAO headquarters in Rome.

Minister Rangel expressed Portugal’s appreciation for the Food and Agriculture Organization(FAO), describing it as an essential global organization to protect the most basic human right – the right to food for all. He especially thanked the Director-General for FAO’s work during the COVID pandemic which had played a crucial role in preventing severe food insecurity. Elaborating further on cooperation with FAO in 2025, Minister Rangel mentioned the FAO World Food Forum in October as a particular priority for strong participation. He also referred to the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, of which Portugal is a founding member and is further committed to supporting the secretariat which is based in FAO.

The Director-General welcomed Minister Rangel and thanked him for his strong words of support. He recognised the impactful role that Portugal plays on the global stage as a force for good and emphasised the historical opportunity for the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty to help those most in need. He observed Portugal’s early investment in the Global Alliance as instrumental and hoped that widespread support will ensure its success.

In appreciation of Portugal’s support for the FAO World Food Forum, the Director-General described FAO’s important duty to bring countries together with investors and other stakeholders including youth, farmers and Indigenous Peoples.

The pair agreed on the urgent need for investment and innovation to transform global agrifood systems to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and ensure the Four Betters – better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life, leaving no one behind.