Istanbul: Minister of Local Development and Environment Manal Awad met with Turkish Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Murat Kurum during the D-8 Ministerial Meeting on Environment in Turkey, as preparations for the 31st UN Climate Change Conference (COP31) intensify. The meeting, attended by Assistant Minister for Sustainability and Community Participation Saber Othman, focused on expanding bilateral cooperation in environmental matters.

According to State Information Service Egypt, the discussions aimed at reviving a memorandum of understanding between Egypt and Turkey, aligning with a joint declaration by the countries' leaders in 2024 to enhance collaboration in various sectors, including environmental action. Awad highlighted proposed cooperation areas such as waste management, climate change mitigation, and the implementation of green projects. These initiatives are intended to reduce carbon emissions, facilitate technology transfer, and promote sustainable urban development.

The ministers also explored cooperation in nature conservation, biodiversity protection, and environmental education. They discussed deploying systems for monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV), early warning systems for extreme climate events, and combating coastal and marine pollution. Awad emphasized opportunities through Egypt's Climate and Environment Investment Unit (CLEIU), which supports investment in sustainable development and green growth across sectors such as renewable energy and ecotourism.

Awad and Kurum considered leveraging Egypt's experience from COP27 to assist Turkey in hosting a successful COP31. Awad expressed optimism that the upcoming conference would advance efforts in climate change adaptation and mitigation, building on achievements from COP27 and COP28. Kurum shared his commitment to deepening environmental cooperation with Egypt and announced plans to visit the country to learn from its COP27 experience.