Cairo:Egypt's Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Hani Sewilam, emphasized the importance of cooperation among Nile Basin countries to ensure regional prosperity. Highlighting Egypt’s vision of "One River, One Basin, One Future," Sewilam reiterated the nation's commitment to collaboration with other Nile Basin states to share expertise and optimize resource use within an inclusive framework that builds trust.

According to State Information Service Egypt, Sewilam, speaking at the 9th Cairo Water Week, stressed the necessity of adhering to international water law. He pointed out that equitable utilization of water resources hinges on principles such as avoiding harm, providing prior notification, engaging in consultations, and sharing data to ensure water security across the region.

Sewilam encouraged the use of the full hydrological cycle, including rainwater harvesting and groundwater, to reduce dependence on the Nile River, which currently supplies nearly 98% of Egypt's water needs. This strategy aims to focus on maximizing shared benefits rather than merely dividing water allocations, and Sewilam praised the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) for its analytical support in this regard.

Additionally, the minister advocated for the expansion of regional solar and wind power interconnections to cater to the increasing electricity demand, ensuring that shared river flows remain unaffected. The session included discussions among experts in international water law, water cooperation and diplomacy, international arbitration, hydrology, and water resources management, as well as representatives from academic and research institutions, the FAO, and the Permanent Joint Technical Commission for Nile Waters.