Hani Sewilam
Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Hani Sewilam arrived in Jeddah on Sunday to participate in the inaugural Saudi Water Week, a regional gathering focused on water security, resource sustainability and innovation in the water sector.
The remarks came during a meeting on Wednesday between Egypt’s Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Hani Sewilam and DRC Minister of Environment, Sustainable Development, and Climate Economy Marie Nyange Ndambo, held on the sidelines of the Congolese president’s visit to Egypt.
The water resources minister said the approach would help maximize project returns, protect dams, reduce erosion and sedimentation, and enhance long-term sustainability.
Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Hani Sewilam said the strategy underscores water as a top strategic priority for the Egyptian state, framing it as a matter of national security.
The talks focused on enhancing inter-ministerial cooperation to support Egypt’s water system and ensure the effective implementation of development objectives, particularly those related to upgrading irrigation infrastructure and improving efficiency in water use across the agricultural sector.
Egypt signs a UNESCO Chair deal at NWRC to boost research and training on transboundary water governance and cooperation.
Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Hani Sewilam made the remarks days ahead of the 2026 UN Water Conference, co-hosted by the United Arab Emirates and Senegal and scheduled to take place in the UAE from 2-4 December.
“Egypt continues to follow developments closely and will take all measures guaranteed under international law to protect the existential resources of its people,” the statement read.
Speaking during a seminar on water security held as part of a training course for Egyptian military diplomatic personnel posted abroad, Hani Sewilam highlighted the country’s 98% reliance on the river for its renewable water resources.
The event brought together senior Egyptian government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, business leaders, academics, media representatives, and friends of Rwanda for an evening of reflection and celebration.
Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Hani Sewilam stated that Egypt does not intend to engage in further negotiations regarding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) in its current proposed form, deeming them as a “waste of time.”
A new round of negotiations between Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia to reach an agreement on the filling and operation of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) kicked off today in Addis Ababa.
Egyptian Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Hani Sewilam made the remarks as he delivered Egypt’s speech during the opening plenary of the 2023 UN Water Conference on Wednesday.
