Egypt’s Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Hani Sweilem, met with Mariam Khalifa Al Kaabi, the UAE Ambassador to Cairo, to discuss strategies for enhancing cooperation in water resource development. The meeting highlighted the shared challenges faced by both nations due to water scarcity in the region.
Sweilem emphasized the importance of regional collaboration to address these challenges. He proposed leveraging Egypt’s expertise in water treatment and reuse, particularly in the field of agricultural drainage water treatment. An Emirati delegation is scheduled to visit Egypt’s Delta region to observe these innovative techniques firsthand.
Both countries explored opportunities for Emirati investments in Egypt’s water sector and knowledge sharing in areas like water management, modern irrigation methods, and solar-powered desalination. The focus on solar-powered desalination is particularly significant, as it offers a sustainable solution to address water scarcity while reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
The ministers also discussed the importance of integrating water, food, and energy sectors. By optimizing water usage in agriculture and exploring innovative desalination techniques, both nations can ensure food security and sustainable development.
Egypt’s participation in the upcoming World Conference on Desalination in the UAE in December 2024, was also a key topic of discussion. The conference provides a platform for global experts to share insights and explore cutting-edge solutions to water scarcity challenges.
By strengthening bilateral cooperation, Egypt and the UAE aim to secure a sustainable water future for their populations and contribute to regional water security.
