Japan and Egypt Sign Water Management Cooperation Memorandum

Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, and Egypt’s Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation signed a memorandum of cooperation establishing a framework for dialogue on water resources management.

Consideration of the cooperation advanced after Japan and Egypt served as co-chairing countries for a thematic discussion at the United Nations Water Conference held in March 2023.

Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Norikazu Suzuki stated that, as challenges surrounding global water resources become increasingly serious, the efficient use and sustainable management of agricultural water are extremely important from the perspective of food security, expressing hopes for further strengthening cooperation between the two countries.

The Egyptian side expressed strong expectations for future cooperation in the field of water resources.

The signing took place at the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. Japan was represented by Minister Norikazu Suzuki of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and Minister Takayuki Kaneko of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism; Egypt was represented by Minister Hany Sweilam of the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation.

The area of cooperation is water resources management. Specific areas related to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries include the application of modern irrigation technologies and efficient water use practices. Water disaster management was cited as an example of an important field in which both countries lead the world.

The memorandum aims to further strengthen the relationship between the two countries as global leaders in water resources management, irrigation technology, and related areas.