Ambassador of China to the UN FAO Guang Defu attended the farewell reception for the President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) at IFAD headquarters upon invitation on Sept. 12, 2022.

Ambassador Guang Defu, who is also Permanent Representative of China to FAO, had a cordial and friendly conversation with outgoing President Gilbert F. Houngbo and incoming President Alvaro Lario.  

Ambassador Guang noted China appreciates President Houngbo’s outstanding contribution to IFAD’s development, speaking highly of a slew of major reforms and related measures rolled out during his more-than-five-year tenure. Under his leadership, the IFAD has grown stronger and stronger. Ambassador Guang also expressed appreciation to President Houngbo for his contribution to China-IFAD cooperation, looking forward to close cooperation with the International Labour Organization as Houngbao assumes office as ILO Director-General.  

Ambassador Guang congratulated Alvaro Lario on being appointed by IFAD Governing Council to be the seventh President of IFAD, expressing that China stands ready to further cooperation with the IFAD to jointly contribute to global poverty reduction under Lario’s stewardship.  

Ambassador Guang was joined by Counselor Mei Hongyong, also Deputy Permanent Representative of China to FAO.