Means to further promote bilateral co-operation in the water sector featured high on the agenda of a meeting that brought together Egypt’s Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Hani Sweilam, Nigerian counterpart, Joseph Otsif.
Minister Sweilem voiced keenness on bolstering ties between Cairo and Abuja, and joint initiatives in water resources management.
He also emphasised the importance of collaborative efforts and the exchange of successful practices and expertise in dealing with water and climate challenges faced by many African nations.
The meeting focused on the implementation of the co-operation protocol signed by the two countries during the Seventh Cairo Water Week in October 2024.
The protocol outlines a framework for co-operation in various areas, including irrigation development, the operation and maintenance of water facilities, combating aquatic weeds, modern irrigation techniques, flood and drought prediction, flood risk management, rainwater harvesting, groundwater management, water resources governance, adaptation to climate change within the water sector, and water quality monitoring.
Sweilam also highlighted the potential for implementing joint projects under the Action for Water Adaptation and Resilience (AWARe) initiative.
Furthermore, Sweilam underscored Egypt’s commitment to providing necessary training for Nigerian water specialists through the African Centre for Water and Climate Adaptation (PACWA), established under the AWARe.
Meanwhile, the two ministers discussed the crucial role of the African Ministers’ Council on Water (AMCAW) in serving African nations.
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