In a significant move to enhance cooperation, Morocco has deepened its bilateral relations with Egypt in the crucial area of water management. The Moroccan Minister of Equipment and Water, Nizar Baraka, participated in the first session of the Moroccan-Egyptian Coordination and Follow-up Committee, which was held in Egypt on Monday. This gathering marked a pivotal point in the two nations’joint efforts to address shared challenges and opportunities in the water sector.
During the meeting, Baraka engaged in talks with his Egyptian counterpart, Hani Sewilam, Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, exploring avenues for expanded collaboration. “I held bilateral talks today in Cairo with my Egyptian counterpart, Hani Sewilam, on the sidelines of the first session of the Moroccan-Egyptian Coordination, “Baraka announced. The discussions were centered around mutual interests related to water resources and the enhancement of bilateral collaboration, as outlined in a memorandum of understanding signed between Rabat and Cairo in December 2023.
The agreement aims to promote integrated and sustainable management of water resources, a strategy that is particularly pertinent given the increasing environmental pressures. The meeting also provided an opportunity to review Egypt’s “AWARE “initiative, a program that seeks to bolster the capacity of countries to adapt to the impacts of climate change on water systems. “We reaffirmed our commitment to this initiative, as well as our engagement in keeping pace with the transformations shaping the global water agenda, especially with regard to climate adaptation, “Baraka stated.
Furthermore, the discussions covered the role of both countries within the African Ministers’ Council on Water, where Morocco has been actively contributing at various leadership levels. The ministers emphasized their commitment to enhancing consultation and coordination, as well as aligning with the evolving global water agenda, especially in the context of climate change adaptation. The session concluded with a series of agreements across multiple sectors, including diplomacy, sports, housing and urban development, tourism, health and pharmaceuticals, and renewable energy.
In a separate development, Morocco’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Nasser Bourita, met with his Egyptian counterpart, Badr Abdelatty, during the session. This meeting was a key diplomatic moment, as Egypt reaffirmed its support for Morocco’s sovereignty over its southern provinces in Western Sahara. Egypt’s endorsement of UN Security Council Resolution 2797, which recognizes Morocco’s Autonomy Plan as a credible and practical solution to the Sahara dispute, was a significant development.
Source: moroccoworldnews
