Saleh stresses the need to ensure Iraqi share of water

Baghdad-INA
 
the President of the Republic, Barham Salih, stressed on Thursday the need to secure Iraqi share of water and provide the agricultural need for water.
 
A statement by the Presidency of the Republic, received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), stated that the President of the Republic, Barham Salih met with Iraqi Minister of Water Resources Mr. Mahdi Rashid.as Water- environmental situation in Iraq, shrinking water levels of Tigris and Euphrates rivers and the Iraqi share of water and its supply were discussed during the meeting. 
 
The issue of water is an anchor for homeland security, President Salih said, so high priority at the national level should be given to cope with the climate change faced by our country, the region and the world.
Therefore, it is essential to hold further dialogue with neighboring countries to improve Iraqi water regulation and the water share that should be based on the principles of good neighborliness, bearing in mind common interest as well as doing no harm to Iraq, President Salih said.
Moreover, he hailed the government and Ministry of Water Resources' efforts in this area.
He also spoke about how important it was to maintain Dams and protect water bodies and marshes while noting that it is necessary to guarantee agricultural and irrigation supplies for the farmers and peasants over the country.
Advantage should be taken of international expertise in the area of irrigation, in addressing desertification and drought and in water sustainable management, the president added.
Mr. Mahdi, in turn, briefed President Salih about the Ministry's plans regarding how to address the issue of water and its challenges. He talked about the discussions that are currently being held with neighboring countries on the Iraqi share of water.