The Chinese Ambassador to North Korea, Wang Yajun, recently met with Qu Dongyu, the visiting Head of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Qu Dongyu, according to the Chinese Embassy in North Korea.
On the 14th, Wang met and welcomed Qu at the Embassy. Wang emphasized that China places great importance on cooperation with the FAO and fully supports its activities as one of the founding nations of the FAO. He expressed hope that the FAO would take a larger leading role in solving world food security issues, promoting the transformation of the world’s food and agriculture systems, and achieving the UN’s 2030 sustainable development goals.
Qu thanked China for its long-term support for FAO operations, stating, “We are willing to deepen cooperation with China to support and respond to the world’s economic recovery jointly.”
While the Chinese Embassy did not mention the purpose of Qu’s visit to North Korea, the timing is notable. Many international organizations that withdrew from North Korea due to the COVID-19 situation have not yet returned to Pyongyang. It is believed that Qu’s visit may be related to preparing for their return or tasks related to food aid to North Korea.
The FAO has designated North Korea as a country needing external food aid for 18 consecutive years. In the Crop Prospects and Food Situation report released on the 6th, the FAO predicted North Korea’s food security situation would remain vulnerable amid sustained low economic growth. The report indicated that the country would face challenges during the lean season from May to August.