French ambassador pledges stronger partnership with IRRI

LOS BAÑOS, Philippines – Thierry Mathou, the Ambassador of France to the Philippines and Micronesia, visited the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) headquarters recently (25 January) to gain a clearer understanding of the relationship between the government of France and the institute.

IRRI Director General Matthew Morell welcomed the ambassador and his delegation. He provided them with an overview of the institute’s mission and acknowledged the contributions of the French government to rice research.

One of the important points raised during the meeting was expanding  France’s commitment to IRRI’s mandate. “We have to find ways to increase France’s contribution to IRRI research and forge a stronger partnership,” Mathou said.

Morell appreciated Mathou’s sentiment. “More collaborative efforts between IRRI and the government of France as well as French institutions can help ensure food security in the not-so-distant future,” he said.

During their visit, the party toured the International Rice Genebank and interacted with IRRI scientists.

The French government has been a solid financial supporter of the institute. Since 1986, France has donated more than USD 11 million in support of various research projects and has provided unrestricted support through CGIAR.

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