ROME, Oct. 9 (Xinhua) -- The head of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) on Friday congratulated UN colleagues at the World Food Programme (WFP) for winning the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize earlier in the day.

FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu said the honor was a "much-deserved recognition of the untiring efforts of humanitarian workers worldwide to defeat hunger."

Qu also said the prize would "underline the importance of international solidarity and multilateral cooperation" when it comes to global food security.

"Food security is a basic human right," Qu said. "It should not matter if you are rich or poor, young or old, or what part of the world you live in."

Qu, who is a former vice-minister of China's Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, said that the prize should be seen as a recognition of anti-hunger efforts across the entire United Nations' system.

He also noted that next week will mark the World Food Day, as well as the 75th anniversary of the founding of FAO.

"We should redouble our efforts to work together under the United Nations flag," Qu said. "This award gives all of us renewed energy and vigor to work hand in hand in order to end hunger and build a better world."

Along with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), FAO and WFP represent two of the three United Nations agencies based in Rome. All three are focused on food-related issues. Enditem

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