Baghdad, June 24 (SANA) Syrian and Iraqi officials discussed ways to strengthen cooperation on water resource management and improve coordination of water releases along the Euphrates River during talks in Baghdad, Syria’s Energy Ministry said.
The Syrian delegation, led by Deputy Energy Minister for Water and Electricity Affairs Osama Abu Zeid, met Iraqi Minister of Water Resources Muthanna al-Tamimi to review mechanisms for expanding bilateral cooperation and improving the management of shared water resources.
According to the Ministry, the discussions focused on coordination of Euphrates water flows, technical cooperation between relevant authorities in both countries and the implementation of agreements governing water cooperation.
The two sides also emphasized the importance of regularly exchanging hydrological data and technical information to support planning, improve resource management and strengthen preparedness for challenges related to drought and fluctuating water supplies.
Officials stressed the need for closer institutional and technical coordination to address regional water challenges and support the sustainable management of resources within the Euphrates basin.
As part of the visit, the Syrian delegation held separate talks with Wissam Khalaf Obaid, director general of Iraq’s General Authority for Dams and Reservoirs, focusing on dam operations, water infrastructure management and the exchange of technical expertise.
The delegation also toured Iraq’s National Water Resources Center, where members were briefed on hydrological monitoring systems, reservoir management practices and water-harvesting projects designed to increase storage capacity and improve water security.
The talks underscored the strategic importance of the Euphrates River for both Syria and Iraq, where the river remains a key source of water for drinking supplies, agriculture and energy production.
R A H / ABD
