M’SIA THANKS ASEAN PLUS THREE FOR COMMITMENT IN STRENGTHENING REGIONAL FOOD SUPPLY CHAIN

PUTRAJAYA,  Nov 1 (Bernama) -- Malaysia has expressed its appreciation to the ASEAN Plus Three (APT) for their commitment and support in strengthening the regional food supply chain as well as the implementation of capacity-building programmes.

 Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup said the matter was conveyed at the 24th ASEAN APT Meeting of Agriculture and Forestry Ministers (AMAF) held online last Oct 25.

He said  Malaysia also emphasised the importance of fostering close relations among the ASEAN community, particularly on matters about food security and emergency aid during crises. 

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"Malaysia also expressed its commitment to continue supporting the activities of the ASEAN Plus Three Rice Emergency Reserve (APTERR) to strengthen the ASEAN food security agenda," he said in a statement today.

Arthur, who led the Malaysian delegation at the meeting organised by Myanmar, said the meeting also took note of the contribution of 11,620 metric tons of rice this year by APTERR.

“This contribution enables AMS to deal with emergencies when dealing with natural disasters, strengthen food security and provide related humanitarian aid in the ASEAN region," he said.

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He said AMAF also took note of the progress of the implementation of the 2016 - 2025 ASEAN Plus Three Cooperation Strategy (APTCS) which focuses on efforts and advocacy based on sustainable agricultural practices.

They include activities to reduce the use of dangerous chemical poisons, improve control over cross-border diseases and the efficiency of water and forest management, he said.

 Arthur said the 24th AMAF provides a platform to strengthen ASEAN cooperation with the APT countries in agriculture and forestry, particularly efforts to improve the efficiency of food production and supply chain as well as develop the expertise and capacity of regional human capital.

However, he said, Malaysia’s participation in the meeting cannot be interpreted as Malaysia's recognition of Myanmar's military regime as the legitimate government of Myanmar.

The 24th AMAF involved the participation of ten ASEAN member countries along with the APT countries namely China, Japan and the Republic of Korea. Timor-Leste was also present as an observer.

-- BERNAMA