Egypt and France discuss enhancing cooperation in water resource management
صورة: وكالة الأنباء الكويتية (كونا)
Egyptian Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation discusses with the Regional Director of the French Development Agency ways to enhance cooperation in water resource management and finance ongoing and proposed projects
Translated by Qiyas from كونا — Original source
Cairo, Nov 12 (KUNA) -- Egyptian Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Hany Suleiman held talks today, Thursday, with Cécile Couprie, the Regional Director for the Mediterranean and Sahel region of the French Development Agency (AFD), to explore ways to enhance joint cooperation in water resource management and to follow up on ongoing and proposed projects.
The Egyptian ministry said in a statement that the two sides discussed a number of issues of common interest at the regional and international levels, within the framework of the strategic partnership extending between Egypt and France in the water sector.
The statement quoted Suleiman as emphasizing Egypt’s commitment to continuing to strengthen cooperation with the French Development Agency in implementing priority projects, noting that collaboration with the agency represents a “model of effective partnership” in supporting the modernization of Egypt’s water system and improving infrastructure efficiency.
He clarified that the Egyptian state is addressing “water challenges” by expanding the reuse of water, improving the efficiency of water resource utilization, developing infrastructure, and enhancing reliance on modern technology within the framework of the “Second Generation of the Water System.”
The statement added that the meeting reviewed the status of the “Fourth National Drainage Program,” which is funded by the French Development Agency, the African Development Bank, and the German Investment and Development Corporation (KfW). The program aims to replace and renew covered drainage networks across 1.4 million feddans, thereby contributing to improved agricultural productivity and more efficient water use.
The meeting also discussed the “Development and Modernization of Delta Barrages and the Nobar Canal” project, for which the French Development Agency is providing a grant worth 645,000 euros (715,000 dollars) to finance the feasibility study, paving the way for the implementation of civil, electromechanical works, and automated monitoring and control systems. This will enhance the operational efficiency of the barrages and improve water management and distribution. (End) A.F.F / M.A.A
