Libya, Algeria agree water cooperation roadmap

Libya and Algeria have agreed a roadmap to strengthen cooperation in irrigation and water resources, including joint technical teams to oversee implementation, in a move aimed at addressing water security challenges.

The agreement was reached during talks in Algeria between Libya’s Water Resources Minister Hosni Owaidan and Algeria’s Irrigation Minister Lounes Boughazza, alongside officials from both sides.

Algeria’s Ministry of Water Resources said discussions covered desalination, drinking water production, wastewater treatment, flood protection, as well as training and expertise exchange. The two sides also agreed to draft a memorandum of understanding to formalise a long-term partnership.

Boughazza said both countries have the technical and human capacity to build a successful model of cooperation that supports sustainable development. He added that Algeria is keen to deepen collaboration through joint projects and knowledge-sharing.

On the North-Western Sahara Aquifer System, which includes Algeria, Libya and Tunisia, he expressed confidence that upcoming meetings would strengthen scientific cooperation and support research and capacity-building.