Odisha CM to embark upon two-nation tour from June 20

This is Naveen Patnaik’s first foreign trip in last one decade

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik will embark on a two-nation tour, covering Italy and United Arab Emirates (UAE) from June 20, which is his first foreign trip after more than a decade.

Last time when Mr. Patnaik was on foreign soil in 2012, he faced rebellion back home. He had to rush back to bring situation under control.

According to Chief Minister’s Office, Mr. Patnaik would a delegation on June 20 to visit Rome and Dubai.

“The World Food Program (WFP) has extended an invitation to Mr. Patnaik to visit its Headquarters in Rome and share the transformative initiatives of Odisha in the field of food security and disaster management,” CMO said here.

Odisha has, according to the government, transformed itself into a food surplus State adding to the country’s public distribution system. From the severe loss faced during the Super Cyclone of 1999, Odisha is now a model in disaster management acknowledged by the United Nations.

“Odisha CM will meet the Executive Director of WFP David Beasley and the senior leadership of WFP. He will have detailed discussions on Odisha’s partnership with WFP and future projects which will further help the State in ensuring food security in a sustainable manner,” said the CMO.