The Nile water is sufficient to cover the needs of Nile Basin countries for the next 100 years, said German Ambassador to Egypt Michael Bok.
Meeting with diplomats in Luxor and Qena, Bok said, “95 percent of Egypt is covered by desert and that all agricultural and industrial activities depend on the river.”
“Germany doesn’t initiate Nile source projects unless approved by all Nile Basin countries,” he said. “It doesn’t wish to assist one country while damaging relations with others.”
Bok added that the use of renewable energy in sea water desalination represents the optimal solution to water scarcity problems.
During the meeting, Bok warned against misusing water and noted that increased demand of agriculture and industrial sectors in the coming years could result in third world crises.
Bok called for developing new technologies for water conservation, wastewater treatment, and pollution reduction in Egypt, adding that his country would be willing to share its expertise with Egypt after the latter prepares its national water conservation plan.
Bok concluded by expressing doubt on prospects for achieving progress at the Union for the Mediterranean summit following the failure of Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations.
Translated from the Arabic Edition.
