Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Hani Sweilem affirmed on Monday that digital transformation and the smart management of water infrastructure are key pillars of the ministry’s second-generation Water System 2.0 strategy, highlighting the importance of drawing on Japan’s advanced expertise in integrated water resources management and the intelligent operation of water facilities.
He also reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to strengthening technical co-operation and capacity building with Japanese institutions responsible for managing the Tone River system.
The minister made the remarks during an official visit to Japan at the invitation of Special Envoy of the Japanese Prime Minister for the 2026 UN Water Conference Yuko Kamikawa and Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and Minister in Charge of Water Policy Yasushi Kaneko.
At the start of the visit, Sweilem inspected the Tone River management system to examine Japan’s advanced approach to operating water infrastructure using the latest digital technologies.
He was briefed on the integrated network of dams, barrages, canals and flood protection facilities serving the Greater Tokyo area, along with the real-time monitoring, control and decision-support systems that ensure efficient water distribution for domestic, agricultural and industrial use while enhancing flood resilience.
The minister also reviewed remote monitoring, measurement and early warning systems, as well as integrated water allocation mechanisms and environmental monitoring practices.
Discussions explored opportunities to apply Japanese expertise to support the modernisation of Egypt’s water resources management system under the Water System 2.0 strategy.
Sweilem further reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to expanding co-operation with Japanese partners through the exchange of expertise in smart water infrastructure management, digital transformation and technical capacity building, contributing to more efficient management and operation of Egypt’s water resources in line with international best practice.
The visit includes participation in the international celebration marking the 50th anniversary of Water Day in Japan, bilateral meetings with senior Japanese officials, the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Egyptian and Japanese sides, and field visits to specialised water facilities and research centres.
