Baghdad: Minister of Water Resources Muthanna al-Tamimi and the Kurdistan Regional Government’s Minister of Agriculture and Water Resources, Begard Talabani, discussed enhancing joint cooperation on water issues on Monday. A statement from the Ministry, received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), reported that “Minister of Water Resources Muthanna Al-Tamimi received Begard Talabani, the Minister of Agriculture and Water Resources of the Kurdistan Regional Government, and her accompanying delegation at the Ministry’s headquarters in Baghdad.”
According to Iraqi News Agency, the meeting addressed ways to enhance cooperation and joint coordination between the federal government and the regional government regarding water resource management, in a manner that supports water security and serves the national interest. Al-Tamimi emphasized “the importance of enhancing communication and continuous coordination between the two sides, and holding meetings at both ministerial and technical levels, given the sensitivity of the water file and its significance in achieving mutual interests.” He stressed “the necessity of exchanging data and information regarding water resources to help improve water management, regulate water releases, and ensure the delivery of water from the north of the country to the south.”
The statement further explained that the meeting also addressed a working paper submitted by the Regional Minister concerning dam maintenance and the implementation of projects included in the strategic study on water and land resources-which the federal Ministry of Water Resources is currently updating to align with the variables and challenges facing the water sector-as well as the construction of water-harvesting dams and participation in training courses.
For her part, Talabani emphasized the depth of the existing relationship and cooperation between the two sides, as well as the Regional Government’s commitment to continuing joint work based on scientific principles. This aims to find appropriate solutions to shared water-related challenges and issues-both domestic and external-and to operate with a unified team spirit, driven by a shared goal and responsibility to secure water resources and to protect, maintain, and implement projects that serve the interests of all the people of Iraq.