Morocco, Egypt to upgrade cooperation in environment, sustainable development
Morocco and Egypt have signed an agreement seeking to upgrade their cooperation in matters of environment and sustainable development.
The agreement, signed in Sharm el-Sheikh, on the sidelines of the 27th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP27), takes into consideration recent developments in this field at the national and international levels, and revolves around the implementation of cooperation activities through several mechanisms.
These include the exchange of experiences and information, access to environmental strategies and policies in both countries, and the encouragement of partnerships at the level of technical experts and between all parties working in the field of environmental protection in both countries.
The agreement also provides for the implementation of joint environmental studies and projects, as well as the coordination of positions between the two countries through the presence, participation and exchange of views at the meetings of the Arab League, the United Nations Environment Assembly and other official and unofficial international organizations.
It covers several areas, including the institutional and legislative framework for environment and sustainable development, environmental assessment of projects, climate change adaptation and mitigation, renewable energy development, integrated coastal zone management, marine pollution control, and integrated management of trans-boundary solid and hazardous waste.
In addition, the deal provides for cooperation in the field of integrated management of natural reserves, biodiversity conservation and ecosystem rehabilitation, environmental planning for sustainable development of urban and rural areas, environmental indicators, sustainable development, environmental education, modern technologies, environmental innovation, and green economies.
The agreement, signed by Moroccan Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, Leila Benali, and Egyptian Minister of Environment, Yasmine Fouad, translates two countries’ conviction as to the need to intensify efforts at the national and Arab levels to protect the environment and face the similar environmental challenges in both countries.
Morocco and Egypt maintain distinguished relations at all political, economic, and cultural levels, characterized by continuous understanding and coordination on issues of joint national, regional and international action, in order to make international relations serve stability and development in both countries.
