Lanka sign MoU for food security in S Korea

Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayaka participated as the Chief Guest at the Asian Food and Agriculture Cooperation Initiative AFACI meeting held recently in Seoul, Republic of Korea. Twelve Asian countries took part at the signing of a memorandum of understanding by high level officials.

The AFACI was initiated by the Government of the Republic of Korea to cooperate in development of food and agriculture technology in maintaining food security of member nations and to establish and operate an Asian Food Culture Centre to promote Asian foods, the Memorandum said.

The AFACI will also cooperate in enhancing the sustainable agricultural environment while conserving and utilizing the natural resources to the extent feasible within the legal framework of member countries and provide opportunities for technology transfer.

The Cabinet had approved a memorandum submitted by Agriculture Development and Agrarian Services Minister Maithripala Sirisena for Sri Lanka to join the AFACI.

The other member nations are Bangladesh, Indonesia, Nepal, Thailand, Mongolia and Uzbekistan. The Rural Development Administration of the Republic of Korea organized the event. Secretary Agriculture Ministry S. Amarasekara and Minister Sri Lanka Embassy in Seoul Mrs. D. Dissanayake were also present.