FAO Director-General José Graziano da Silva, on the occasion of his visit to Japan, attended the launch of the Parliamentarian Friendship League. The League is chaired by Yoshimizu Hayashi, former Minister for Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries from 2012 to 2015; he gathered together with over 40 parliamentarians to exchange views with the FAO Director-General.

“FAO looks forward to working with the League to promote nutritious food including in neighbouring countries and regions" FAO Director General said, remarking the role of parliamentarians in the fight against malnutrition. Indeed, given their representative, legislative, budgetary and oversight responsibilities, FAO recognizes that Parliamentarians are best placed to position the issue of food and nutrition security at the highest level of the political and legislative agenda.

Furthermore, Graziano da Silva described FAO’s work across agriculture, forestry, fisheries, livestock, and land and water to end hunger and boost nutrition. He also thanked the parliamentarians and the people of Japan for the solid support provided to the organization.