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Havana, July 13 (RHC) The new representative of the United Nations World Food Program (WFP) in Cuba, Etienne Labande, presented his credentials Wednesday to Deputy Foreign Minister Anayansi Rodríguez.

During the ceremony, he summarized the lines of work contemplated in the agency's 2021-2024 strategic plan in the Caribbean island. He reiterated the willingness to cooperate with food and nutritional security in the most vulnerable population groups.

As prioritized tasks, Labande listed the strengthening of agricultural value chains, their links with social safety nets for a stable supply of nutritious food, and the increase in the resilience of communities.

He noted that disaster risk management and climate change adaptation capacities at the local level were other areas of focus identified by WFP for the period.

The official of French nationality highlighted the alliance between WFP Cuba and the National Civil Defense General Staff, which allows cooperative work to strengthen capacities and increase resilience in local food systems in the face of such circumstances.

Regarding the impact of Covid-19 and the health response on the island, the delivery of trucks and refrigerated containers suitable for storing and transporting pharmaceutical products, such as Cuban vaccines, was highlighted.

"PMA reaffirms its support and total commitment to continue supporting the response to emergencies as well as development actions that lead to the fulfillment of the objectives of the National Development Plan 2030," Labande said.

For her part, the deputy foreign minister acknowledged the collaboration of that UN agency with Cuba in such a sensitive and priority area as Food and Nutritional Security and valued its role in the path toward Food Sovereignty.