Cairo: Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Hani Sweilam affirmed Egypt's appreciation for the historic and friendly relations with Uzbekistan, emphasizing the country's commitment to leverage growing political momentum to enhance water cooperation and implement joint actions across various domains.
According to State Information Service Egypt, during a meeting with a high-level Uzbek delegation led by First Deputy Prime Minister of Uzbekistan Ilham Ibrahimovic, discussions focused on enhancing cooperation in water resources and sustainable development. The meeting underscored the importance of activating the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) previously signed between Egypt and Uzbekistan, which outlines cooperation in modernizing irrigation and drainage systems, improving water productivity and efficiency, sharing expertise, conducting joint research, and organizing specialized workshops and training programs.
Sweilam highlighted that the Second Generation of the Water Management System (Water 2.0) offers a crucial platform for strengthening technical cooperation with Uzbekistan. This includes sharing expertise in digital water management, remote monitoring and measurement systems, SCADA systems, decision-support systems, artificial intelligence applications, early warning systems, rainwater harvesting, and developing pumping stations with energy-efficient technologies. The minister affirmed Egypt's readiness to present results from pilot applications, organize field visits to showcase digital and smart applications, and explore potential joint projects with Uzbekistan.
He also emphasized the importance of enhancing collaboration between Egypt's National Water Research Center and Uzbekistan's research institutions through joint studies, expertise exchange, and pilot project implementation. The Uzbek delegation identified priority areas for coordination with Egypt, such as water reuse, modern technologies, digital transformation, measurement systems, water resources management, and groundwater management. Both sides agreed to convene the first meeting of joint working groups to initiate practical cooperation in these areas.
On the international front, Sweilam stressed the significance of bolstering coordination between Egypt and Uzbekistan at international and regional water forums. This includes focusing on the sustainable and cooperative management of shared international rivers. The minister also emphasized exchanging expertise on the governance of shared rivers, data exchange, and applying international water law principles. He reiterated the importance of adhering to principles such as causing no harm, prior notification, consultation, and cooperation among riparian states to enhance water security, stability, and sustainable development.