Water Resources Minister Hani Sweilem met Arab League Secretary‑General Nabil Fahmy on Monday to discuss strengthening Arab cooperation on water security. Sweilem congratulated Fahmy on his appointment, expressing confidence that his experience will support joint Arab efforts.
Sweilem underlined Egypt’s preparations to chair the Arab Ministerial Council for Water in October, coinciding with the Cairo Water Week. He stressed the need to unify Arab positions, activate water diplomacy, and mobilise investment to address scarcity and climate challenges. Egypt will host the council’s 17th session and the 7th Arab Water Conference, aiming to provide a platform for exchanging expertise and innovative solutions.
The minister highlighted that 19 of 22 Arab states face water scarcity, with 13 under absolute scarcity, and 90% of the region’s population living in water‑stressed countries. He noted that two‑thirds of Arab water resources originate outside the region, making cooperation essential.
For his part, Fahmy affirmed the Arab League’s commitment to intensifying joint action, sharing successful experiences, and supporting initiatives to tackle shared challenges, particularly water security and sustainable development.
This meeting underscores Egypt’s role in leading regional water diplomacy, advancing Arab cooperation, and preparing for major water events in Cairo this October.
