Recently, countless foreign embassies and consulates in China sent messages of heartfelt condolences to mourn for Yuan Longping. Yuan, the “father of hybrid rice” and an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, sadly died on May the 22nd at the age of 91.

The Embassy of Chile to China mentioned in its message that, Yuan Longping was a pioneer and a leading scientist in hybrid rice research. He is still highly recognized in Chile for his prestigious contributions to, and innovative spirit in solving the various food problems around the world. He received the “Quincentennial of the Discovery of the Straits of Magellan” Award from the Chilean Government last November. The Embassy of Chile to China expressed immense grief for Yuan’s passing and paid high respect to his spirit of dedication and the outstanding contributions he had made to human beings.

The Embassy of Bangladesh to China stated in its message that, Yuan Longping placed his lifelong dedication in hybrid rice research and development. By doing this, he has not only helped China but also feeds the people in many countries and regions including Bangladesh, to this very day. Yuan will be always remembered for his contributions to hybrid rice development which has helped Bangladesh become self-sufficient in food.

The Embassy of Israel to China recalled that Yuan Longping won the Wolf Prize in Agriculture of Israel in 2004. He had made extraordinary contributions to increasing grain supply around the world and shared techniques with foreign scientists. Yuan’s passing is a huge loss to not only China but to the entire world. The embassy expressed sincere sympathy to Yuan’s families.

The Embassy of Mozambique to China said that Yuan Longping participated in promoting hybrid rice in Mozambique, and left a precious inheritance for the agricultural cooperation and friendly communications between Mozambique and China. The embassy, on behalf of the Mozambican Government and people, extended high respects to Academician Yuan.

The Consulate General of Laos in Changsha mentioned in the message that, the friendly exchanges between Yuan Longping and Lao top leaders had tightened the friendly ties between Laos and China, especially that of Laos and Hunan Province. The consulate general expressed sincere sympathy to the CPC Hunan Provincial Committee, Hunan Provincial People’s Government, Hunan people, and especially Yuan’s families.

The Consulate General of the Philippines in Guangzhou praised Yuan Longping’s far-sighted endeavours and agricultural technological innovations which have improved food security in China and many other countries including the Philippines. The Philippine agricultural organizations have benefited a lot from his research.

Some other foreign embassies and consulates sent messages and expressed deep condolences to Yuan’s passing, including the Embassy of Mexico to China, the Embassy of Cameroon to China, the Embassy of Surinam to China, the Embassy of Luxembourg to China, the Embassy of Guinea-Bissau to China, and the Consulate General of Thailand in Kunming.

This article is from Hunan Provincial Government www.enghunan.gov.cn.

Translator: Pang Yuehui

Chinese source: hunan.gov.cn