Cairo: Dr Yasmin Fouad, Minister of Environment and President of the current session of the Ministerial Council of the Regional Organisation for the Conservation of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden (PERSGA), held a coordination meeting via video conference with Dr Maawiya Al-Radaideh, the Jordanian Minister of Environment. The meeting aimed to discuss the latest developments in the organisation’s work plan under Egypt’s presidency for the 20th session of the Ministerial Council of PERSGA. The ministers coordinated for Jordan’s upcoming presidency of the Ministerial Council, scheduled for February in Aqaba, Jordan, with the attendance of Dr Ali Abu Seneh, CEO of the Environment Affairs Agency, Ms Suha Taher, Head of the Central Administration for International Cooperation, and several ministry leaders.
According to State Information Service Egypt, Minister Yasmin Fouad emphasized the deep and historical relations between Egypt and Jordan at the start of the meeting. She highlighted Egypt’s role in creating moment
um around linking climate change mitigation and biodiversity conservation. Minister Fouad reviewed recent developments in PERSGA’s work plan under Egypt’s presidency and discussed proposals for the organisation’s development and resource mobilization to advance its work on environmental issues in the Red Sea region.
Dr Yasmin Fouad informed Dr Maawiya Al-Radaideh about the organisation’s development and challenges, including limited funding. She noted ongoing efforts to develop PERSGA’s internal structure by gradually increasing staff and improving funding through increased member state contributions. The Minister pointed out that the development plan includes providing diverse funding sources to facilitate activities and achieve financial sustainability.
Minister Fouad stressed the importance of enhancing PERSGA’s capabilities through cooperation protocols and partnerships with stakeholders to finance projects that help stabilize ecosystems in the Mediterranean and Red Sea. She also mentioned efforts to bu
ild capacities in all member states.
Dr Maawiya Al-Radaideh expressed gratitude to Minister Fouad for her achievements during her presidency of the Ministerial Council. He praised her role in linking the organization with international institutions to maximize benefits and secure larger funding. The Jordanian Minister of Environment appreciated Minister Fouad’s efforts in paving the way for the next presidency.
Dr Maawiya Al-Radaideh confirmed Jordan’s interest in PERSGA’s role and expressed the Kingdom’s commitment to building on past achievements. He assured that the proposed projects would receive attention and emphasized continuous work and follow-up on these projects. The Minister expressed eagerness to welcome Minister Yasmin Fouad in Jordan and readiness to cooperate for the upcoming meeting.
Minister Yasmin Fouad welcomed the invitation, expressing her eagerness to visit Jordan and collaborate with the working team to ensure the meeting’s objectives are achieved.