Amman, Oct. 1 (Petra) -- Minister of Water and Irrigation Raed Abu Soud and Finnish Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Sari Essayah discussed ways to strengthen cooperation in water management, treated water, technology, innovation and climate change adaptation. .
Talking at the meeting held on Thursday, Abu Soud outlined Jordan's experience in addressing water scarcity, efforts to reduce water losses, improve water-use efficiency, expand treated water use and integrate artificial intelligence and modern technologies into water management.
He said Jordan continues to develop its water management system, based on planning, sustainability and innovation despite limited resources and rising demand.
He also highlighted preparations to launch the National Water Carrier Project, a strategic initiative expected to increase per capita water availability in the coming period.
Abu Soud stressed the need to expand international cooperation and exchange expertise and technology to address water challenges, highlighting partnerships in integrated water management, water reuse, digital transformation, early warning systems and climate change adaptation.
He also recalled Jordan's proposals at the Rome Water Summit, particularly the need for "practical and effective" mechanisms to address transboundary water issues, stressing that shared water resources require cooperation among countries to safeguard mutual interests and water rights under relevant international principles.
For her part, Essayah expressed Finland's support for Jordan's proposals at the summit, particularly on transboundary water issues. She underscored the importance of international cooperation in addressing water and climate challenges, noting that water security requires shared responsibility, especially amid growing geopolitical crises and their impact on natural resources, development and stability.
The two sides underlined the role of water as a key element of development, peace and stability.
The two ministers also discussed cooperation in organizing international conferences and events on water, sustainable development and climate change, as well as developing a joint roadmap to address mounting pressure on global water resources.
Essayah expressed Finland's readiness to expand technical cooperation with Jordan, particularly in early warning systems for floods and droughts, monitoring water and climate risks, improving risk forecasting and response, and encouraging Finnish private sector participation.
The two sides agreed to establish a joint working group specializing in water management and treated water to explore technical and technological cooperation, exchange expertise and best practices, and identify joint projects and programs to develop sustainable solutions.
They also discussed cooperation in international water events, including the Mikkeli International Water Week in Finland, which provides a platform for exchanging expertise and showcasing the latest technologies and practices in water management.
On future steps, both sides urged continued coordination among relevant institutions to strengthen cooperation, exchange knowledge and support efforts to address water scarcity and climate change through innovative and sustainable solutions.
//Petra// NQ
