Environment minister confers with Italian ambassador on co-operation over COP27

CAIRO – Egyptian Environment Minister Yasmin Fouad asserted that relations between Egypt and Italy are “extended and constructive” in the environmental fields especially ahead of Egypt’s hosting the climate conference (COP27), due to be held in Sharm el-Sheikh in November.

This came during the minister’s meeting with Italian Ambassador in Cairo Michele Quaroni as they discussed preparations for COP27.

During the meeting, the minister said that Egypt aims through its presidency of COP27 to build on the outcomes of Glasgow conference in order to achieve a progress on the negotiation track pertaining to climate changes and encourage countries to upgrade its national strategies to confront the negative impact of climate change.

Fouad said Egypt will allocate a number of days to address specific issues related to the initiatives that will be launched during the conference such as; financing and coping up with the global warming, water issues, food security, sustainable life in local communities along with other climate-related issues including the reduction of carbon emissions.

The minister also said that the conference will cover the role of science and technology in countering the impact of climate change with the involvement of a number of research and innovation centers affiliated to the conference’s Green Zone.

Fouad stressed that the COP 27 represents an opportunity to show Egypt in a distinct way through the exhibition that will be held in the Green Zone and include environmentally friendly technologies from Egyptian industries.

“We can also invite countries of the world through it to establish international partnerships. An example of this is energy-intensive industries and how they have turned into environment-friendly industries through real success stories to encourage Egyptian industries and show the world the extent of Egyptian capabilities and that we can create partnerships for cooperation with African countries,” Fouad added.

The Italian ambassador, for his part, asserted the importance of the event which draws a wide participation from the world countries, shedding light on Egypt’s strenuous efforts to push forward the climate action.

He voiced his country’s readiness to offer to its expertise in such domain to Egypt.

The Italian diplomat also praised Egypt’s interest in floating the water management issue among the conference’s initiatives, proposing to implement a number of joint workshops between the two sides to exchange expertise.