The head of the DPRK delegation expressed this stand in his speech at the 37th Meeting of the FAO Conference on June 29.

He gave appreciation of achievements made by the FAO in its work for global food security and multilateral development of agriculture over the past years and of its leadership ability displayed to effectively meet the challenges threatening the existence of mankind.

Referring to the food crisis caused by natural disasters sweeping over the world, sharp rise of food and oil prices, increased bio-fuel production, etc., he said that the situation calls for more active measures to intensify the FAO's activities for global food security.

The FAO should pay attention to providing favorable international environment so that socio-economic conditions are ensured to increase the agricultural output in developing countries, he said, adding: It is necessary for the organization to take measures to help its member nations adopt agricultural strategy and policy suited to their specific conditions and raise their agricultural productivity.

The DPRK defined agriculture as the lifeline for improving the standard of people's living and is concentrating all nationwide efforts on it, he noted, saying:

The DPRK's efforts for economic construction will be helpful to the world economic development and food security. It will also be significantly conducive to the efforts of the international community for implementing the UN Millennium Development Goals and the action program of the world food security summit.