On 5^th May 2021, Ambassador Carmel Vassallo presented his Letters of Credence to H.E., Gilbert F. Houngbo, President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). This meeting took place in virtual format due to the current global situation.

The meeting started with the ritual taking of official pictures. After which a short discussion ensued. The Ambassador and the President discussed the valuable work carried out by IFAD in the countries that are furthest behind, with special focus on countries within the African continent. Ambassador Vassallo, remarked that failure of national economies to create conditions and opportunities for decent income for rural young people, leads to migration, with more people crossing the Mediterranean and unfortunately with many not making it to safer lands.

Ambassador Vassallo commended IFAD’s prominent role in the run-up to the Food Systems’ Summit and the recent public credit rating granted to IFAD, which sets the stage towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

President Houngbo said that IFAD will continue to work towards keeping the credit rating whilst using it to IFAD’s advantage to catalyse additional financing. The President thanked Malta for the expertise and guidance shared with IFAD since 1977.