Hany Sweilem, Egypt’s Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, affirmed Egypt’s unwavering support to South Sudan in executing developmental projects that benefit its citizens. During a meeting in Cairo with his South Sudanese counterpart, Pal Mai Deng, Sweilem highlighted Egypt’s steps in implementing decisions and recommendations from the recent joint technical committee meeting between both nations. The meeting occurred just before the start of the “Sixth Cairo Water Week,” sponsored by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.
Sweilem detailed Egypt’s efforts in South Sudan, including the establishment of 20 solar-powered underground water stations and the construction of four dams for rainwater harvesting and waterway clearing to aid river navigation and mitigate flood risks. Additionally, there’s an ongoing effort to build eight more stations.
Egypt has also shown commitment to institutional support, creating a Flood Prediction and Early Warning Center, and focusing on training and capacity building in South Sudan’s Water Resources and Irrigation Ministry.
Expressing his pleasure at meeting his counterpart, Sweilem emphasized the deep bilateral relations, strengthened by regular ministerial meetings. Pal Mai Deng also expressed his happiness for the meeting and eagerness to enhance cooperation between the two nations in various fields.
Sweilem invited South Sudanese representatives to join the steering committee meeting of the AWARe initiative, scheduled for October 30, during the Sixth Cairo Water Week. He also mentioned that Egypt is currently coordinating with the United Nations to draft a plan of action for the initiative, leading up to the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28), which will feature a ministerial meeting with donors, banks, and financing institutions.
