More than 150 countries around the world on Sunday observe World Food Day with special events, seminars, conferences, contests and media campaigns, according to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

In Rome, a ceremony was held at FAO headquarters to mark World Food Day, which was also the 60th anniversary of the founding of FAO.

FAO Director-General Dr. Jacques Diouf gave an address during the ceremony. Italy's Minister of Agricultural and Forestry Policies Mr Gianni Alemanno also delivered a speech.

The World Food Day theme this year, "Agriculture and intercultural dialogue," recalls the contribution of different cultures to world agriculture, FAO said.

Throughout history, the intercultural movement of crops and livestock breeded revolutionized diets, improved nutrition and reduced poverty, FAO noted.

The World Food Day theme also highlights that intercultural dialogue is a precondition for progress against hunger and environmental degradation, FAO said, adding that the history of agriculture is full of examples of important intercultural exchanges.

Intercultural dialogue between developing countries facing similar food and agriculture problems is an important way of sharing expertise and technologies, said FAO.

(Xinhua News Agency October 17, 2005)