Berlin:Egypt's Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Hani Sewilam, emphasized Egypt's dedication to enhancing its partnership with Germany, particularly in the areas of water and climate issues, research and applied sciences, and the implementation of the Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystems (WEFE) Nexus.

According to State Information Service Egypt, Sewilam made these remarks during a meeting with Wolf-Jrgen Stahl, president of the Federal Academy for Security Policy in Berlin, to discuss ways to boost Egyptian-German cooperation in water resources. The discussion highlighted the support for the Pan-African Centre for Water and Climate Adaptation (PACWA) to improve water and food security across Africa and bolster the resilience of communities most vulnerable to climate change.

The minister detailed Egypt's second-generation water management system, which aims to maximize water returns, enhance the use of modern technologies and digitalization, and improve water management efficiency. These efforts are part of Egypt's commitment to advancing water and food security and supporting sustainable development.

The meeting also included discussions on regional water issues and reaffirmed Egypt's commitment to supporting African partners, particularly in the Nile Basin. Egypt has undertaken various development cooperation projects, including drilling wells, establishing solar-powered groundwater stations, and implementing flood protection projects, with a total project value exceeding $120 million.

Sewilam announced a new financing mechanism with an initial funding of $100 million for development projects in Nile Basin countries, focusing on infrastructure and dam construction in the southern Nile Basin. This reflects Egypt's commitment to regional development and cooperation.

The talks further addressed Egypt's efforts to support development across Africa, especially during its presidency of the African Water Facility. Sewilam highlighted the importance of existing cooperation with Germany, including engagements with the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, to explore ways to assist African countries in implementing sustainable water sector projects.

Sewilam also discussed Egypt's support for the Nile Basin Initiative, a framework for preparing priority projects in the region. Egypt has agreed to support financing for a suite of 36 projects covering hydropower, electricity interconnection, and water supply, among other initiatives.

On regional matters, Sewilam underlined the importance of cooperation and consultation among riparian states, advocating for mutual benefits and adherence to international law in international river management to foster stability and development across the basin.