On 2 July, Deputy Foreign Minister of Ukraine Mariana Betsa held a meeting with Raimund Jehle, Deputy Regional Representative of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) for Europe and Central Asia, who is on a working visit to Ukraine.

Marianna Betsa expressed gratitude to the UN system, in particular FAO, for its consistent support to Ukraine in addressing the negative consequences of Russia's ongoing armed aggression against our country and called for further scaling-up of the Organization's operational activities amid the deteriorating security situation.

“Today’s sleepless night in Kyiv and many other Ukrainian cities, caused by yet another massive Russian attack, has once again clearly demonstrated Russia’s unwillingness to end this bloody aggression. The occupiers’ objectives remain unchanged: to destroy Ukraine, break the spirit and resolve of its people, and occupy our land. We are grateful to all our partners for their unwavering support and readiness to assist us with weapons, generators, specialized equipment, and expert assistance. I am particularly thankful to FAO for its support to our farmers, who provide food for Ukraine and a significant part of the world despite the daily risks to their lives and health,” the Deputy Minister emphasized.

The participants discussed practical aspects of further expanding FAO’s operational activities in Ukraine. In particular, they focused on prospects for developing projects on the humanitarian demining of agricultural land, restoring the productive capacity of the agricultural sector, and providing farmers with the necessary resources.

The parties also discussed promising areas of cooperation, including the implementation of projects in the field of agricultural diplomacy, FAO’s engagement in the First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska’s School Nutrition Reform initiative, and support for Ukrainian women farmers.

Following the meeting, the FAO representative confirmed the Organization's readiness to continue providing practical support to Ukraine with a view to restoring and strengthening our state's agricultural potential.