Minister Hani Sweilam , Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Samar Al-Ahdal and Ambassador Peter Mollema signed a grant agreement by Invest International supporting coastal protection in Egypt through nature-based solutions in the Nile Delta.

Dutch Ambassador to Egypt Peter Mollema stressed that the Dutch–Egyptian water partnership is “a two-way street”: both countries learn from each other and tackle water challenges together. 

He made this point in a meeting with Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Dr. Hani Sweilam, who is also a professor of Hydrology and Water Resources Management. Ambassador Mollema and Minister Sweilam discuss the water partnership below.

This year marks 50 years of water cooperation. Why has water been such a strong and lasting pillar of the bilateral relationship?

‘Water is the lifeblood of both Egypt and the Netherlands; it defines our geography, history, and future. The strength of this pillar lies in our shared identity as "Delta Countries." For five decades, we have recognized that managing water is not just a technical challenge but a foundational requirement for national stability and prosperity. While Egypt faces water scarcity and the Netherlands manages excess water, both nations must navigate rising sea levels, salinity intrusion, and coastal erosion. This common reality has made water cooperation an enduring pillar of our bilateral relationship.’

When you look back over five decades, what makes this partnership unique? What makes you proud?

‘This cooperation began with Dutch support to Egypt in establishing key drainage systems that we still rely on today for non-conventional water use and reuse. Early milestones in 1970 included the establishment of the Drainage Research Institute and support to major drainage projects, this is a clear first manifestations of the partnership. Today, the relationship has evolved into joint research initiatives like the JCAR project reflecting a deeper, more equal collaboration.’

 

What was the very first water cooperation project, and which later projects best show how the relationship has matured?

‘Our journey began in the early 1970s, shortly after the completion of the High Aswan Dam. As Egypt moved to regulate the Nile flood, Egyptians faced new risks of waterlogging and soil salinization. The first major milestone was the establishment of the Egyptian-Dutch Advisory Panel on Land Drainage in 1976, which pioneered subsurface drainage systems across the Nile Delta—a critical step in protecting our agriculture. 

Today, the relationship has matured into cutting-edge climate adaptation. Modern projects, such as our joint study on nature-based sand nourishment for Mediterranean coastal protection, show how we have evolved. We are no longer just laying pipes; we are co-creating sustainable, science-led solutions that address 21st-century environmental challenges. This transition from basic drainage to sophisticated coastal zone management perfectly illustrates how our cooperation has matured into a global model for climate action.’
 

Both are delta countries living with water as a defining factor (too much vs. scarcity). How has this contrast strengthened cooperation?

‘This contrast is actually our greatest strength. The Netherlands is a global leader in managing "too much water"—protecting land from the sea and controlling floods—while Egypt is a master of managing "scarcity"—maximizing every drop of the Nile. 

The Netherlands does not only struggle with excess water; it is now also increasingly confronted with periods of drought, a challenge for which Egypt’s experience can offer valuable lessons.

By bringing these two perspectives together, we create a 360-degree view of water management. Egypt benefits from Dutch expertise in coastal resilience, while the Netherlands gains valuable insights from our experience in intensive water reuse and large-scale irrigation efficiency. This "delta-to-delta" dialogue ensures that our solutions are robust and globally relevant.’

How does water cooperation contribute to climate resilience, food security, and economic development?

‘Water is the "master key" to these sectors. By modernizing irrigation systems and improving drainage, we directly boost agricultural productivity, which is the backbone of Egypt’s food security. For example, Dutch-supported initiatives help smallholder farmers adopt modern techniques that increase yields while saving water. 

Also, protecting our coasts from erosion via innovation like sand nourishment secures our coastal cities and tourism hubs, ensuring long-term stability for the national economy. In delta countries, effective water management is the foundation of everything; it preserves fertile land from salinity and protects vital infrastructure.’
 

How can innovation and private-sector engagement help scale solutions in the coming decades?

‘We are increasingly looking to Dutch and Egyptian businesses to provide breakthroughs in desalination, digital water monitoring, and circular economy models. Partnerships with organizations like Invest International are helping to bridge the gap between pilot research and large-scale, bankable projects.

By encouraging investment in green technologies and water-efficient systems, we can ensure that our joint research translates into tangible results on the ground. Engaging the private sector ensures that our water solutions are not only technically sound but also economically sustainable and scalable.’

How does this cooperation reflect shared values such as sustainability, inclusivity, and responsibility toward future generations?

‘Our partnership is structured on inclusive progress, engaging youth, farmers, and communities, while safeguarding water resources for the generations to come.

A key example is the launch of the Youth Challenge NL–EG during the 2025 edition of Cairo Water Week 2025, which empowers young professionals to co-design innovative water solutions.’
 

Could you share a personal memory or story that reflects your own relationship with water?

‘Growing up in Egypt, one cannot help but have a sacred bond with the Nile; it is not just a river, it is our history and our life. I remember seeing the vast green expanses of the Delta and realizing that every leaf depended on the careful stewardship of this water. My personal journey, from an academic studying water management to serving as Minister, has been driven by the desire to ensure that the same Nile that sustained my ancestors will continue to flow for my children.’