SUVA, April 6 (Xinhua) -- Fiji said on Friday that it is ready to host the 34th Session of the Regional Conference for Asia and the Pacific (APRC), which is to be held on the Denarau Island near Nadi, Fiji's third largest city on April 9-13, this year.

According to a press release by Fiji's Department of Information on Friday, the conference, which will be attended by members of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), will discuss important issues such as the effects of climate change on food production, safer food and nutrition.

Fiji's Minister for Agriculture, Rural and Maritime Development and National Disaster Management and Meteorological Services Inia Seruiratu said on Friday that preparations are rightly underway to host this regional meeting that will see the participation of government ministers and delegates from 46 members across the Asia-Pacific region.

"This is the first time in more than two decades that a country in the Pacific has hosted the APRC and it will provide an ideal opportunity, particularly for Pacific island countries, to advocate and present issues specifically related to aspects regarding their food and nutrition security," he said.

FAO Regional Conferences are official forums where agriculture ministers and high-level officials of members from the same geographic region meet to discuss the challenges and priority matters related to food and agriculture, with a view of promoting regional coherence on global policies and political issues.

Established in 1945, the Rome-based FAO is the specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Its goal is to achieve food security for all and make sure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. With over 194 members, FAO works in over 130 countries and regions.