Egypt's Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Hani Sewilam on Monday held talks with Dutch Ambassador to Egypt Peter Mollema to review ongoing cooperation in the field of water resources. The meeting discussed progress on the joint project of Modernisation of Irrigation Techniques to Improve Livelihoods of Small-Scale Farmers in Upper Egypt, funded by the Dutch government and implemented in partnership with the UN's Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). Both sides affirmed their commitment to completing project activities as scheduled and enhancing coordination between the ministry, FAO and Dutch counterparts. FAO was urged to accelerate field implementation of modern irrigation systems across the targeted governorates of Assiut, Sohag and Qena. The project also aims to raise awareness among farmers of the benefits of modern irrigation, including improved crop productivity, higher income, and better agricultural quality. The two officials also reviewed preparations for signing a memorandum of understanding between the ministry and the Dutch organisation of Invest International to conduct a feasibility study on protecting Egypt's Mediterranean coast using eco-friendly sand nourishment techniques. Sewilam emphasised the importance of adopting nature-based solutions for coastal protection. Additionally, the meeting discussed plans to celebrate 50 years of Egyptian-Dutch water cooperation, which began with the establishment of the joint advisory council in 1975. Several activities are being organised as part of the upcoming 8th Cairo Water Week this October. Talks also covered the renewal of the MoU between the two countries concerning the High-Level Joint Water Committee, which supports cooperation on water management, coastal zone management, and climate change adaptation. Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English Subediting: M.S.Salama
