The governments of Morocco and Ivory Coast sealed a cooperation agreement on water resources. The deal was signed by Morocco’s Minister of Equipment and Water, Nizar Baraka, and Ivory Coast’s Minister of Water and Forests, Laurent Tchagba at the 10th World Water Forum being held in Bali, Indonesia.
The framework of this agreement covers a range of activities, including the development and implementation of water legislation, public awareness initiatives on water conservation, and the integrated management of both national and transboundary water resources.
Key components of the collaboration will involve the exchange of knowledge on water transfer technologies, groundwater management practices, and the establishment of national and regional basin organizations to enhance water governance.
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Bilateral relations
Expressing his satisfaction with the agreement, Minister Baraka highlighted the strong bilateral relations between Morocco and Ivory Coast. He reiterated Morocco’s commitment to supporting Ivory Coast’s efforts in water management, particularly in the formation of basin agencies.
Minister Tchagba also welcomed the agreement, viewing it as a strategic platform to advance the collaborative vision initiated during the 3rd International Conference on Water and Climate in Fez, Morocco, in July 2023. He emphasized Ivory Coast’s eagerness to leverage Moroccan expertise following the recent adoption of a new water law by the Ivorian government in November 2023. This agreement underscores a broader vision of cooperation between the two nations, championed by King Mohammed VI of Morocco and President Alassane Ouattara of Ivory Coast.
The 10th World Water Forum, co-organized by the World Water Council and the Indonesian government, serves as a pivotal platform for international dialogue on water issues. It gathers approximately 30,000 participants from 172 countries to engage in discussions and forge partnerships aimed at addressing global water security challenges.
