Baghdad: President Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid has called for the adoption of effective national policies to address Iraq’s water management challenges. During a visit to the Iraqi Scientific Academy, he engaged in discussions with key stakeholders, including the Academy’s President, Mohammed Hussein Al-Yassin, and several scientific staff members.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the President participated in a dialogue session titled “Outcomes of the French Conference on Ocean Water, Iraqi Water Scarcity, and the Management of its Resources.” The session was attended by the Minister of Water Resources, Engineer Aoun Diab, Minister of Environment, Helo Al-Askari, and various advisors, experts, and researchers focused on water and environmental issues.

The President highlighted the severe water conditions in Iraq, attributed to global climate change, and stressed the importance of implementing policies to prevent waste, modernize irrigation methods, and enhance agricultural techniques to reduce water usage. He pointed out the significant decline in the Tigris and Euphrates rivers’ flows, caused by upstream countries’ dam-building activities, and emphasized the absence of regulatory agreements.

President Rashid proposed forming a specialized water committee comprising relevant ministries and experts to ensure Iraq receives an equitable share of water resources. He also mentioned submitting a proposal to the Iraqi Parliament for establishing a Supreme Water Council to address water-related issues strategically.

In addition to water management, the President emphasized the need to diversify Iraq’s economy by developing agricultural and industrial sectors, supporting investment, and encouraging private sector growth. He acknowledged the historical challenges Iraq has faced, including wars and terrorism, and noted the current period of security stability as a foundation for economic progress.

President Rashid also underscored the importance of supporting the Iraqi Scientific Academy to foster cultural, scientific, and intellectual advancement. Academy President Mohammed Hussein Al-Yassin expressed appreciation for the President’s visit, marking it as a historic first by a sitting President of the Republic, highlighting his commitment to the academy’s mission and output.