Iraq water minister, EU mission ambassador discuss cooperation on drought and resource management

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Minister of Water Resources, Maitham al-Sudani, met on Sunday with Clemens Seiter, the European Union's ambassador to Iraq, and an accompanying delegation in Baghdad to discuss joint cooperation on water resource management. The meeting reviewed existing cooperation frameworks and focused on the increasing impact of water scarcity and climate change on Iraq, according to a ministry statement. The two sides examined steps to manage water resources more effectively, rationalize water use and support modern irrigation projects. They also explored ways to draw on the EU's experience in the water sector and stressed the need to activate the provisions of the existing partnership agreement between Iraq and the EU in the irrigation field. The talks concluded with agreement on projects aimed at strengthening Iraq's capacity to adapt to water scarcity and modernizing related infrastructure. No further details on specific projects or timelines were immediately available.