Egypt’s Environment Minister discusses regional cooperation with UAE, Saudi counterparts

CAIRO – 21 November 2024: Egypt's Minister of Environment Yasmine Fouad held several bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the COP29 climate change conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, to discuss key environmental issues and means to strengthen regional cooperation.

Cooperation with the UAE on Environmental Issues

Fouad met with UAE’s Minister of Climate Change and Environment Amna bint Abdullah Al-Dahhak and Head of the Egyptian Central Administration for Climate Change Soha Taher, to explore collaborative efforts across various environmental sectors.

The discussions focused on areas such as biodiversity, climate change, air pollution reduction, and the development of heat-resistant crops capable of withstanding the impacts of climate change. 

Fouad also invited Al-Dahhak to visit Egypt with a high-level delegation, including representatives from research centers, the private sector, and universities, to exchange knowledge and expertise. Both countries face similar environmental challenges, including water scarcity, which impacts agriculture and food security.

Fouad highlighted the existing bilateral cooperation between Egypt and the UAE, noting Egypt’s expertise in nature-based solutions, biodiversity conservation, and natural reserve management, while the UAE brings advanced knowledge in technologies for monitoring marine pollution, water pollution, and developing climate-resilient crops.

The two ministers also visited the UAE pavilion to explore its initiatives and innovations.

Strengthening Arab Unity in Climate Finance Negotiations

In a separate meeting. Minister Fouad met with His Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, Saudi Arabia’s minister of energy, to discuss mutual environmental concerns, particularly climate change.

The two ministers exchanged views on climate finance and the forthcoming decisions regarding the "new specific collective goal" for financing climate action. 

Fouad stressed the importance of ensuring that this goal serves the interests of developing Arab and African nations by helping them strengthen climate mitigation efforts, build resilient societies, and address losses and damages caused by climate change.

Fouad also underscored the need for Arab countries to present a unified stance in negotiations, particularly in securing fair and equitable climate finance, with an emphasis on shared responsibility and differentiated burdens.