Egypt and Uzbekistan are seeking to turn their water cooperation agreement into joint projects focused on smart irrigation, artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and climate adaptation, Egypt’s Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation said.
Water Resources and Irrigation Minister Hani Sewilam discussed the plans with Uzbekistan’s Ambassador to Cairo Mansurbek Kilichev, calling for the two countries to activate an existing memorandum of understanding and hold the first meeting of their joint working group.
The proposed meeting would draw up a roadmap for cooperation and identify priority projects that could be implemented by the two sides.
Sewilam presented Egypt’s “Water 2.0” strategy, which seeks to expand the use of digital technologies, artificial intelligence, and smart irrigation in water management and climate adaptation.
He also proposed closer cooperation between Egypt’s National Water Research Center and its Uzbek counterparts, including joint applied research projects and greater exchanges between researchers and specialists.
Kilichev said Uzbekistan was interested in drawing on Egyptian experience in water-resource management, particularly in digital transformation, smart irrigation, and modern technologies, citing similarities between some of the water challenges facing the two countries.
The talks also covered a planned visit by a senior Uzbek delegation to Egypt and coordination at international and regional water forums.
Sewilam stressed the importance of international water law principles, including avoiding harm, prior notification and consultation, and cooperation among riparian states.
He also invited Uzbekistan’s Minister of Water Resources to attend the ninth Cairo Water Week in October 2026.
