Egypt’s Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Hani Swailem met Uzbekistan’s Ambassador to Egypt, Mansurbek Kilichev, on Saturday to strengthen bilateral co-operation in water resources, irrigation, and sustainable development.
Swailem praised Egypt’s strong relations with Uzbekistan and highlighted the importance of activating the memorandum of understanding signed between the two countries regarding water resources.
He called for turning areas of co-operation into practical projects and accelerating the first meeting of the joint working group to establish a clear roadmap and achieve tangible results.
Swailem outlined Egypt’s vision under the “Second Generation of Water Management 2.0,” which includes digital transformation, artificial intelligence, smart irrigation and climate change adaptation.
He also stressed the importance of strengthening cooperation between Egypt’s National Water Research Centre and its Uzbek counterparts through joint research and applied projects.
Kilichev expressed Uzbekistan’s interest in expanding co-operation with Egypt and benefiting from Egyptian expertise in water resources management, particularly digital transformation, smart irrigation and modern technologies.
Swailem highlighted the similar water challenges facing both nations and affirmed Egypt’s commitment to expanding technical and research co-operation with Uzbekistan.
The meeting also addressed preparations for an upcoming visit by a high-level Uzbek delegation to Egypt, alongside joint coordination at international and regional water forums.
Furthermore, Swailem emphasised the necessity of respecting international water law, specifically the principles of avoiding harm, prior notification and consultation, and equitable co-operation among riparian states. He concluded by inviting Uzbekistan’s Minister of Water Resources to attend the 9th Cairo Water Week in October 2026.
