Egypt and Italy discuss climate, water, and coastal protection initiatives

The meeting, held during the Egyptian-Italian Joint Committee sessions in Cairo, highlighted the strong ties between the two nations and the partnership between President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Minister Fratin expressed appreciation for Egypt's urban development and sector achievements, welcoming cooperation in water management, waste recycling, knowledge sharing, and environmental initiatives, including Italy's plan to plant 4 million trees. Dr. Awad detailed Egypt's presidential initiative to plant 100 million trees and proposed collaboration on climate adaptation and coastal challenges in Mediterranean governorates.

Discussions included technical cooperation, such as transferring Italian technology for water quality monitoring, geographic information systems, mathematical modeling, and early warning systems for environmental hazards, as well as low-cost wastewater treatment technologies. The ministers also reviewed Egypt’s progress toward joining the Alliance for the Implementation of National Adaptation Plans and addressed coastal erosion under the Barcelona Convention. Dr. Awad showcased Egypt’s nature-based coastal protection projects and coord