Lebanon appreciates CFC’s strong grassroot presence and deeper impacts
The Hague, 1 August 2025: In a farewell luncheon hosted by H.E. Mr. Abdel Sattar Issa, Ambassador of Lebanon to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, CFC Managing Director Ambassador Sheikh Mohammed Belal commended the outgoing diplomat’s legacy as a passionate advocate for smallholder farmers and workers’ rights. The meeting took place as Ambassador Issa prepares to assume his new role as Secretary-General of Lebanon’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Ambassador Belal thanked Lebanese leadership for appointing "both an activist and mentor for the downtrodden" to this high office, noting that Ambassador Issa’s commitment to human dignity aligns with CFC’s core mission. He formally renewed CFC’s invitation for Lebanon to become its 102nd member state, recalling Lebanon’s "golden past in agriculture" and its potential as an ideal CFC partner.
During discussions, Ambassador Belal:
- Outlined CFC’s governance structure and project cycle
- Highlighted agricultural innovations driving impact in CFC initiatives
- Emphasized how value-chain enhancements could position Lebanon as a regional export hub for both traditional and emerging commodities
Ambassador Issa expressed strong appreciation for CFC’s work, stating he hoped "Lebanon would soon benefit from CFC’s proven model." Ambassador Belal noted that with neighbours Iraq, Syria, and Egypt already members, Lebanon’s accession would create regional synergy for poverty reduction.
Concluding the meeting, Ambassador Issa would explore options so that Lebanon could benefit from the good work of CFC. while Ambassador Belal reaffirmed CFC’s readiness to help "lift as many Lebanese as possible from poverty" through targeted interventions.
About the Common Fund for Commodities (CFC)
CFC is an intergovernmental financial institution that supports commodity-dependent developing countries through projects and programs aimed at improving livelihoods and fostering sustainable value chains.
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