The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and Libya have agreed on a $71 million programme to boost cooperation over the next five years to strengthen food security and sustainable development in the country.

"FAO is proud to become Libya's counterpart in implementing a number of strategic projects that will contribute to national sustainable agricultural development," said Director-General Jacques Diouf.

As part of the agreement signed in Rome today, FAO will provide technical assistance and support for 18 projects covering a range of areas, including pesticides management and the protection of natural resources, the development of seeds, the prevention and control of transboundary animal diseases, and sustainable water resource management.

In addition, a Programme Management Unit will be set up to ensure the proper implementation, monitoring, coordination and evaluation of the programme, which begins in 2010.