Amman, Oct. 1 (Petra) — Minister of Water and Irrigation Raed Abu
Soud and Finnish Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Sari Essayah
discussed ways to strengthen cooperation in water management, treated
water, technology, innovation and climate change adaptation. .

Talking at the meeting held on Thursday, Abu Soud outlined Jordan’s
experience in addressing water scarcity, efforts to reduce water
losses, improve water-use efficiency, expand treated water use and
integrate artificial intelligence and modern technologies into water
management.

He said Jordan continues to develop its water management system,
based on planning, sustainability and innovation despite limited
resources and rising demand.

He also highlighted preparations to launch the National Water Carrier
Project, a strategic initiative expected to increase per capita water
availability in the coming period.

Abu Soud stressed the need to expand international cooperation and
exchange expertise and technology to address water challenges,
highlighting partnerships in integrated water management, water
reuse, digital transformation, early warning systems and climate
change adaptation.

He also recalled Jordan’s proposals at the Rome Water Summit,
particularly the need for “practical and effective” mechanisms to
address transboundary water issues, stressing that shared water
resources require cooperation among countries to safeguard mutual
interests and water rights under relevant international principles.

For her part, Essayah expressed Finland’s support for Jordan’s
proposals at the summit, particularly on transboundary water issues.
She underscored the importance of international cooperation in
addressing water and climate challenges, noting that water security
requires shared responsibility, especially amid growing geopolitical
crises and their impact on natural resources, development and
stability.

The two sides underlined the role of water as a key element of
development, peace and stability.

The two ministers also discussed cooperation in organizing
international conferences and events on water, sustainable
development and climate change, as well as developing a joint roadmap
to address mounting pressure on global water resources.

Essayah expressed Finland’s readiness to expand technical cooperation
with Jordan, particularly in early warning systems for floods and
droughts, monitoring water and climate risks, improving risk
forecasting and response, and encouraging Finnish private sector
participation.

The two sides agreed to establish a joint working group specializing
in water management and treated water to explore technical and
technological cooperation, exchange expertise and best practices, and
identify joint projects and programs to develop sustainable
solutions.

They also discussed cooperation in international water events,
including the Mikkeli International Water Week in Finland, which
provides a platform for exchanging expertise and showcasing the
latest technologies and practices in water management.

On future steps, both sides urged continued coordination among
relevant institutions to strengthen cooperation, exchange knowledge
and support efforts to address water scarcity and climate change
through innovative and sustainable solutions.

//Petra// NQ