On April 3rd, Prof. Wu Kongming, President of CAAS, met with Prof. Felix Dapare Dakora, President of African Academy of Sciences (AAS) to discuss collaboration on establishing China-Africa Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Alliance (CAASTIA).

Prof. Wu stated that the joint initiative of China-Africa Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Alliance is of strategic significance in promoting food security and alleviating hunger and poverty in Africa. Currently, the preparations for CAASTIA went smoothly and have received support and affirmation from relevant Chinese ministries. Soliciting opinions from the African Union will be at the top of the agenda, while CAAS and AAS will make joint efforts to promote the early establishment of the Alliance.

Prof. Dakora praised the efforts of CAAS and expressed his commitment to pressing ahead the construction of CAASTIA. He will also actively recommend excellent young students and scientists from Africa to pursue further education at CAAS.

The two sides also discussed the composition of the CAASTIA Board and the launching ceremony, and reached a consensus on strengthening personnel exchanges and cooperation in graduate education. Responsible officials from the Department of International Cooperation of CAAS attended the meeting.

Before the meeting, Prof. Dakora visited the National Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Park and the new National Crop Gene Bank, as well as Institute of Crop Science, Institute of Plant Protection, Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Institute of Animal Sciences, and Institute of Food Science and Technology. He also gave a lecture entitled "The Need for Cooperation between Africa and China" at the Graduate School of CAAS.