Egypt, Saudi Arabia discuss potential collaboration to enhance environmental and climate investments

CAIRO – 21 February 2025: Dr. Yasmine Fouad, Egypt's Minister of Environment and Chairperson of the 20th session of the Ministerial Council of the Environment of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden (PRSGA), held a bilateral meeting with Eng. Abdulrahman Al-Fadhli, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture. The meeting focused on existing and future areas of cooperation between the two countries, held on the sidelines of Egypt's handover of the presidency of the 21st Session of the Ministerial Council of PRSGA to Jordan.

During the meeting, Fouad emphasized the deep and successful cooperation between Egypt and Saudi Arabia in environmental protection, highlighting Egypt's ambitious environmental goals alongside its development efforts. She noted that, despite the global political challenges, this is a critical time for environment ministers worldwide, necessitating stronger joint efforts to find sustainable solutions.

The two sides discussed key environmental issues, including energy, agriculture, water management, circular economy implementation, lake development, plastic pollution, and other sectors directly affecting natural resources.

Fouad also highlighted Egypt's efforts to integrate environmental concerns with economic growth, citing initiatives like addressing agricultural waste burning. She explained how Egypt has transformed rice straw from an environmental issue into an economic opportunity, through investment projects with youth and the private sector to convert rice straw into fertilizer and feed. Additionally, she emphasized Egypt's efforts to balance industrial growth with sustainability, working closely with the Ministry of Industry to ensure economic development aligns with environmental protection.

Fouad further discussed Egypt's ongoing efforts to restore the ecological balance of Lake Qarun, including fish farming, upgrading wastewater treatment, and extracting salts from the lake. She also highlighted Egypt’s national strategy for the circular economy, which aims to balance economic development with resource protection, and the role of the private sector in this. She suggested including the circular economy discussion in the Arab League's agenda, with the possibility of involving youth and universities in presenting innovative ideas.

Additionally, she touched on Egypt’s work to reduce single-use plastic bags and the approval of the "extended producer responsibility" policy by the Egyptian Cabinet. This policy requires producers and importers to monitor plastic bag quantities and ensure safe disposal while promoting environmentally friendly alternatives. Fouad also addressed climate change, emphasizing the importance of a comprehensive approach linking renewable energy, food security, water security, and climate change. This approach formed the foundation of Egypt's "Novi" program, which connects energy, food, and water projects to support green transformation through public and private investment.

Fouad also mentioned the potential for collaboration between Egypt and Saudi Arabia, specifically with the Egypt Future Development Authority, to enhance environmental and climate investments, aligning with sustainable development goals.

Eng. Al-Fadhli expressed his satisfaction with the strong, productive cooperation between the two countries, sharing Saudi Arabia's experience in waste management, extended producer responsibility, water, agriculture, and energy. He acknowledged the challenges faced by Saudi Arabia and proposed solutions. Al-Fadhli expressed his interest in collaborating with Egypt on lake development, desalination, and the circular economy, praising Egypt's work in restoring Lake Qarun's ecological balance. He also voiced his eagerness to replicate Egypt's experience in other areas and collaborate on environmental awareness campaigns, similar to Egypt's "Environment is Livelihood" campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of agricultural waste burning.