Rome: Maronite Patriarch Mar Bechara Boutros Rahi visited the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Rome, meeting with Director General Graziano Da Silva. The discussions, attended by senior aides from FAO, Lebanese Charge D'Affaire in Rome Karim Khalil, and Lebanese Agriculture Ministry Director General Louis Lahhoud, focused on collaborative efforts to address global hunger and poverty.

According to National News Agency - Lebanon, Da Silva emphasized FAO's commitment to working with the Church and other partners to combat poverty and alleviate the plight of the poor worldwide, highlighting the intrinsic link between food security and peace. Patriarch Rahi expressed the Church's willingness to collaborate with FAO to mitigate poverty, stating that hunger transcends boundaries of color and religion.

Rahi urged FAO to prioritize Lebanon in its major programs and initiatives, particularly those announced during the 67th anniversary of the organization's founding. He highlighted the importance of these projects in supporting Lebanese communities in mountainous and rural areas, aiming to prevent displacement and promote resilience.