Egypt committed to supporting sustainable development in Uganda – Irrigation Minister

Minister of Irrigation and Water Resources Hani Sewilam affirmed deep-rooted relations between Egypt and Uganda and Egypt’s commitment to further strengthening bilateral cooperation, building on development projects already implemented to serve citizens and support sustainable development efforts in Uganda. Sewilam made the remarks during a meeting with Uganda’s Minister of Water and Environment Kahinda Otafiire on the sidelines of the ninth Cairo Water Week, where the two ministers discussed ways to enhance cooperation in water resources and issues of mutual interest.

Sewilam stressed the importance of continued cooperation in integrated water resources management, implementing water conservation projects and improving water use efficiency, as well as expanding training and capacity-building programs and exchanging technical expertise to strengthen the capabilities of Ugandan professionals in water management.

He also underscored the importance of benefiting from Egypt’s regional pooled financing mechanism, launched to support water projects in Nile Basin countries. He expressed Egypt’s readiness to coordinate with Uganda to identify priority areas of cooperation and projects that address development needs and serve shared interests.

On Nile Basin issues, Sewilam emphasized the importance of preserving the Nile Basin Initiative as the umbrella platform bringing together all basin countries.

He highlighted the need to strengthen cooperation and coordination among Nile Basin countries on the basis of mutual trust, transparency and consideration of shared interests, in a way that promotes sustainable development and mutual benefits without harming any country.

Sewilam expressed his hope for continued coordination with Uganda to support bilateral and regional cooperation in the coming period.