Workshop highlights Greek-Israeli cooperation in energy, water management

Environment, Energy and Climate Change Minister Yiannis Maniatis on Tuesday noted the excellent level of cooperation between Greece and Israel in areas such as managing water resources, energy and related technologies. Maniatis was speaking during the 2nd scientific workshop on water resource management held at the environment ministry.

"We are making rapid steps in implementing cooperation that allows us to join human, scientific and business forces in order to overcome the problems existing in the broader area," the minister said, especially emphasising the importance of sound water management as a factor for sustainability, environmental balance, peace and prosperity.

The workshop was also attended by Israel's Ambassador to Athens Aryeh Mekel, who noted that Greek-Israeli relations were historically at their best-ever level, with an unprecedented level of cooperation in a large number of areas.
He pointed to an upcoming visit to Israel by Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras on October 8, at the head of a large Greek government and business delegation, as an indication of the close cooperation between the two sides. During the trip, Samaras will meet his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu in order to sign a series of bilateral agreements.

He also referred to advanced desalination methods employed by Israel and confirmed Israeli interest in the upcoming privatisation of the Thessaloniki water company.

Alternate Environment Minister Stavros Kalafatis said that cooperation between Greece and Israel was being strengthened in all key areas and he referred to the need to bridge the gap between available water resources and total demand.
The workshop focused on techniques for optimising water usage and producing fresh water via desalination methods in areas short of water. The keynote speaker was Dr. Ofer Dahan of the Zuckerberg Institute for Water Research, who emphasised the importance of sound water use for economic growth.

Greece, Cyprus and Israel signed a memorandum of understanding for cooperation in energy, environmental protection and water management on August 8.

Source: Athens News Agency