Address by H.E. Mr. Thongloun SISOULITH General Secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party and President of Lao People’s Democratic Republic at the International Forum on Hybrid Rice Assistance and Global Food Security

Address by H.E. Mr. Thongloun SISOULITH General Secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party and President of Lao People's Democratic Republic at the International Forum on Hybrid Rice Assistance and Global Food Security

Your Excellency State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi,

Your Excellencies Representatives of International Organizations,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

First of all, I feel very honored to be invited to participate in this International Forum on Hybrid Rice Assistance and Global Food Security and to speak at the opening ceremony.

I would like to take this opportunity to extend my warmest congratulations to the Chinese government, especially the China International Development Cooperation Agency, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of the People's Republic of China and the National Food and Strategic Reserve Administration for successfully organizing this forum, which fully attests to the fact that the Chinese government attaches great importance to sustainable development and food cooperation with countries around the world.

I believe that this forum will become an important platform for countries to share their valuable experience in sustainable development, especially the successful experience of China's national development and poverty alleviation.

Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

I would like to highly appreciate the vital support and assistance that the Chinese government has continued to provide to the hybrid rice research program. The improving quality of China's hybrid rice research and analysis has brought substantial benefits to all humanity, which is part of China's efforts to combat the global food crisis and an important contribution to achieving UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Laos has always attached great importance to poverty reduction and green and sustainable development, making agricultural production an important foundation for its economic and social development. Rice is the staple crop in Laos, and the development of high-quality rice varieties is of great significance for its food security and poverty alleviation.

I hope that China's hybrid rice assistance program will scale up in Laos and make a greater contribution to improving the living standards of the Lao people and tackling poverty.

Finally, I wish this International Forum on Hybrid Rice Aid and World Food Security a great success.

Thank you!