Minister Han Changfu met with Mr. Terry Branstad, Governor of the Iowa State of the United States, in Beijing on Nov. 13, 2016. The two sides exchanged views on strengthening agricultural cooperation.
Minister Han introduced the agricultural development in China to Mr. Branstad, and underlined that during the 13th Five-Year Plan period, China will follow President Xi Jinping's guidance and accelerate the supply side reform, optimize the structure and achieve sustainable development in the agricultural sector. Minister Han also reviewed the progress of Sino-US agricultural cooperation in recent years, noting that significant headway has been made in personnel exchanges, mechanism improvement, S&T cooperation and agro-trade, etc.
Mr. Branstad spoke highly of the rapid agricultural development in China and appreciated China's contribution in promoting the bilateral agricultural cooperation. He said that he will make more efforts to intensify the bilateral agricultural cooperation. In the future, he will act as a "bridge' between the two governments and help the new US government to forge closer and friendly ties with China.
Minister Han thanked Mr. Branstad for his efforts in consolidating the Sino-US friendship. He pointed out that the Sino-US relationship isthe most important bilateral relationship and strengthening bilateral cooperation is beneficial to both countries. The progress from understanding to trust and to cooperation comprises an important trilogy in any relation. Mr. Branstad fully agreed with Minister Han's comments.