World Water Forum: Tunisia says need for solidarity, coordination on climate change [Upd 1]

Tunis: Minister of Agriculture, Water Resources and Fisheries Abdelmonem Belati said there is need to increase cooperation and solidarity among countries through the exchange of expertise, technology transfer and coordination on a wide range of issues, mainly climate change in the Mediterranean in particular.This was as he led the Tunisian delegatioon to the 10th World Water Forum High-Level Meeting in Bali, Indonesia (May 19-20).Tunisia, the minister said, had been confronted with significant climate challenges, particularly seven years of drought and higher temperatures and consequently increased demand for drinking and irrigation water and decline in agricultural output.Tunisia's contribution to preparations for this 10th edition through the organisation of the 5th Mediterranean Water Forum was highlighted.Participants in this fifth edition called for stepping up efforts to deliver climate change adaptation measures and strengthen resilience.The Indonesian side said there is keenness to develop a programme of cooperation with Tunisia which involves the exchange of experiences, training and technology transfer.The two countries agreed to keep on coordinating so as to establish a fruitful cooperation.The agriculture minister's participation in this forum is designed to identify new ways to increase water resources and keep abreast of cloud seeding technologies.Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse