On November 2, Prof. Wu Kongming, President of CAAS, met with Dr. Bram Govaerts, Director General of the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT).

Prof. Wu Kongming stated that CIMMYT is one of the CGIAR institutions of the longest history and the closest ties to CAAS. Over the years, significant achievements have been made in exchange of maize and wheat genetic resources, variety breeding, project collaboration, and talent cultivation. Prof. Wu pointed out that CAAS and CIMMYT share common goals in addressing climate change and ensuring global food security, thus both sides should strengthen cooperation, continue joint breeding of new varieties, develop practical technologies and extend them to developing countries. He emphasized the need to accelerate the G2P International Mega Science Project and the building of Nanfan International Breeding Base, jointly addressing the challenges posed by climate change and providing more technological support for ensuring global food and nutrition security.

Dr. Govaerts stated that CIMMYT places high value on strategic cooperation with CAAS. Based on the joint laboratory, CIMMYT will further strengthen collaboration with CAAS in breeding and promoting new varieties with high nutritional value and strong environmental adaptability. Additionally, CIMMYT are fully committed to supporting the G2P International Mega Science Project.

The two sides further exchanged views on jointly hosting the China-African Crop Science Symposium in Kenya in 2024, aiming at promoting South-South cooperation, and providing technological support to address food security and hunger issues in African countries.

Responsible officials from the Department of International Cooperation of CAAS and Institute of Crop Sciences of CAAS attended the meeting.