ROME: The State of Kuwait is keen supporting efforts by the International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD) to feed the poor and aid progress worldwide, said a Kuwaiti official on Friday. Speaking to KUNA in an exclusive interview, Dr Khaled Mahdi -- Kuwait's candidate for the IFAD's Presidency -- said that his country in addition to Saudi Arabia had helped established the fund in 1977 with the aim of developing rural areas as well as aiding the most impoverish and hunger-stricken regions in the world.

Over the course of 45 years, the State of Kuwait had a key role in supporting the fund in all its efforts, recounting the Kuwaiti presidency of the fund in 1993 through compatriot Fawzi Al-Sultan. Regarding his bid to lead the fund, Mahdi said that he would work on facing challenges facing the fund and finding solutions to urgent matters facing those most unfortunate. He revealed that his campaign would focus on developing human resource via helping people to help themselves and achieving the items set by the 2030 UN Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs).

IFAD's first special session of the Governing Council on July seventh will appoint the new President of the Fund. IFAD consists of 177 country-members. Since 1978, the fund offered $2.23 billion in low interest loans to fund projects benefiting 518 million people around the globe. - KUNA