MOWR: Improvement in Euphrates revenues and increase in Tigris releases

INA - BAGHDAD

The Ministry of Water Resources - MOWR confirmed on Saturday an improvement in Euphrates River revenues, with expectations of an increase in water releases in the Tigris River during the coming period.

"The Permanent Joint Technical Committee between Iraq and Turkey recently held its meeting in the capital, Baghdad, within the outcomes of the framework agreement signed between the two countries, which represents an important step to enhance water cooperation and guarantee Iraq's water rights for the next ten years," said the ministry's spokesman, Khalid Shamal, to the Iraqi News Agency - INA.

He added that "the meeting discussed basic axes including the exchange of information and expertise, determining water storage levels in both countries, in addition to discussing water investment projects that will be implemented by specialized Turkish companies."

The meeting reviewed the main reasons for the decline in water revenues during this year, "which are due to the lack of rain in neighboring countries," in addition to the major projects previously implemented in Turkey, as well as internal challenges related to water resources management and the agricultural sector.

The Turkish side confirmed that "it had conveyed Iraq's request to increase water releases to its government, with positive indications of an improvement in water revenues, especially in the Euphrates River, amid hopes of increasing flows in the Tigris River soon."

Shamal explained that "the discussions also included discussing the implementation of new investment projects, including the construction of two dams to harvest water, in addition to the Hawija land reclamation project in Kirkuk Governorate, as well as strengthening data exchange mechanisms between the two countries to ensure sustainable water management."

"Relations with neighboring countries, especially Turkey, Iran and Syria, are witnessing progress in the water file, with international support for Iraq's demands, but direct bilateral understandings remain the most effective way to ensure shared water rights," he highlighted.