Baghdad: Prime Minister Mohammed Shiaa Al-Sudani chaired on Thursday the regular meeting of the Supreme Council for Water, attended by several ministers, advisors, and directors general, to discuss the country's water resources situation and the challenges posed by climate change and drought.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, during the meeting, the Minister of Water Resources presented a detailed report on the current water situation and forecasts for the upcoming winter season, as well as Iraq's relations with neighboring and upstream countries regarding the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, and the available options to secure Iraq's water share.

Al-Sudani instructed the convening of a meeting, chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs, with the participation of ministers and heads of relevant departments, to develop a comprehensive Iraqi plan of action for water management in the coming period.

The council approved expanding the use of modern irrigation technologies, adopting water-conserving agricultural systems, supporting farmers with urgent and social income-enhancing programs, restructuring the agricultural plan on flexible bases that address drought conditions, and encouraging the cultivation of low-water-consumption crops.

In addition, the council endorsed steps to activate partnerships among relevant ministries to establish a roadmap for climate adaptation and to launch financial and technical support programs for farmers and livestock breeders in drought-affected areas.

The council also decided to formally approach the Turkish side to increase water releases into Iraq through the Tigris and Euphrates basins and to ensure the country's needs are met during this period. Furthermore, a ministerial technical meeting will be held with the Iranian side to discuss water releases in the Karun and Karkheh rivers.