Agriculture, Key to Africa's Development, Morocco Says

A developed and efficient agriculture is key to pulling Africa out of under-development, said Aziz Mekouar, Moroccan ambassador in Rome and independent President of the Council of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

"It is obvious that agriculture is an essential means without which no development can be possible (in Africa)," Mekouar told the 22nd general FAO conference for Africa, held February 4-8 in Cairo, Egypt.

The diplomat voiced hope that the "World Food Summit: Five Years Later," that the U.N will hold next June, will mark the mobilization of political will and means to secure the development of agriculture, key to African peoples' wealth and well-being.

He lauded the role FAO plays in helping African countries combat famine and malnutrition.