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MINSK, 14 September (BelTA) – Belarus and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) will foster cooperation in food safety, BelTA learned from FAO Regional Strategic Programs Coordinator for Europe and Central Asia Raimund Jehle.

The Belarusian Agriculture and Food Ministry and the FAO signed the Country Program Framework (CPF) for 2017-2020. The document was signed by Raimund Jehle and Belarus’ Deputy Agriculture and Food Minister Alla Lomakina.

"The CPF has been developed in cooperation with the Belarusian government and the Food and Agriculture Organization and is aimed at supporting Belarus in kew areas, including export and trade promotion. The FAO undertakes obligations to improve Belarus’ capacities in the field of food safety. It is directly connected with the export development in the country," Raimund Jehle said. "At the same time the support for agriculture is based not only on export promotion but also on the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. Environment is also of great importance," he said.

The implementation of the program is aimed at capacity building in conservation and development of plant and animal genetic resources, forest resources assessment, phytosanitary control, rehabilitation of degraded lands, adaptation to climate change and mitigation of its consequences. It also envisages the strengthening of the national capacities to promote employment, develop business and diversify the income of rural population. The total budget needed to implement the CPF for 2017-2020 is $1.13 million.

Raimund Jehle noted the important role of Belarus as a partner in the Food and Agriculture Organization. According to him, Belarus has a well developed agriculture sector. "Belarus has an important experience to share with other countries," he said.

Alla Lomakina expressed hope for fruitful cooperation with the organization. "We have gained a good experience of cooperation which will only be improving," she added.

The important events assisted by the FAO that took place in Belarus were aimed at eliminating swine fluand increasing the disease control capabilities, Raimund Jehle told journalists.