Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Hani Sewilam asserted that Egypt possesses leading expertise in the water resources management and is committed to sharing this expertise with fellow African countries, particularly Nile Basin states. This is achieved through projects to clear waterways, construct rainwater harvesting dams, develop solar-powered groundwater wells, establish rainfall forecasting and water quality monitoring centers and provide training, capacity-building programs and scholarships through the Pan-African Center for Water and Climate Adaptation, the Hydraulics Research Institute and the National Water Research Center, Sewilam said.
These efforts contribute to strengthening national capacities and promoting sustainable development in these countries, he added. The remarks came during a meeting between the minister and Egyptian ambassadors designated to head a number of diplomatic missions abroad, as part of the ministry's efforts to strengthen coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Egyptian Expatriates, and to review the key pillars of Egypt's water policy and the country's efforts to enhance regional and international cooperation in the water sector.
Sewilam praised the close cooperation and coordination between the two ministries on issues of mutual interest, foremost among them water-related matters, which constitute a key component of Egypt's national security, as well as cooperation with international partners and support for Egypt's presence in regional and international forums.
The minister delivered a lecture outlining Egypt's vision for strengthening cooperation with African countries, particularly the Nile Basin states. He stressed that Egypt adopts an approach based on achieving mutual interests and supporting sustainable development through the implementation of development projects, capacity building and the transfer of expertise, thereby contributing to regional stability and development.
He explained that meetings had been held with a number of Egypt's leading companies to discuss opportunities for participating in these projects, maximizing the use of Egyptian expertise and capabilities, supporting the state's efforts to strengthen economic and development cooperation with Nile Basin countries and achieving sustainable development and shared interests for all parties.
The minister emphasized that the Nile River water issue is one of Egypt's national security priorities, given that Egypt depends on the Nile for 98 percent of its renewable water resources. He stressed that Egypt's policy toward the Nile is based on adherence to the rules of international law governing shared international rivers, thereby reinforcing the principles of cooperation while safeguarding the interests of all basin countries.
Sewilam also reviewed developments regarding the Ethiopian Dam file and the course of negotiations that have continued for more than 13 years. He affirmed that Egypt has consistently pursued a responsible approach throughout the negotiations, driven by its commitment to promoting regional cooperation, protecting its water rights and upholding the principles of international law governing shared international rivers.