Libya, Algeria prepare cooperation framework on water security

Libya and Algeria have agreed to begin drafting a memorandum of understanding aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation in water resources, with a particular focus on seawater desalination, agricultural irrigation and sustainable water management.

The agreement was reached during a technical meeting in Algeria on Wednesday between officials from the Algerian Ministry of Irrigation and Libya’s Ministry of Water Resources. The discussions brought together a Libyan delegation led by Mokhtar Al-Fitouri Radi Salam, Director of the International Cooperation Office at Libya’s Ministry of Water Resources.

The proposed memorandum will establish a framework for cooperation across six key areas, including seawater desalination, irrigation, water resources management, technical and institutional cooperation, as well as training and the exchange of expertise.

Libya’s Minister of Water Resources in the Government of National Unity, Mohammed Hasni Owaidan, said the country is keen to benefit from Algeria’s experience, particularly in seawater desalination and the management of water resources, during his current visit to Algeria.

During the meeting, the Libyan delegation received a presentation outlining Algeria’s approach to managing water resources, highlighting major sector achievements, completed projects and planning mechanisms. Officials also reviewed the country’s strategic programmes covering seawater desalination, drinking water services, wastewater treatment and agricultural irrigation as part of broader efforts to strengthen water security and ensure the sustainable use of water resources.

Mokhtar Al-Fitouri Radi Salam praised the level of cooperation between the two countries and commended Algeria’s progress, particularly in seawater desalination and the reuse of treated wastewater in agriculture and industry.

The initiative comes amid growing regional efforts to improve the joint management of shared water resources, including the vast transboundary aquifer system linking Libya, Algeria and Tunisia. In April 2026, the three countries reaffirmed through the Tripoli Declaration their commitment to managing the shared groundwater reserves in a fair, coordinated and sustainable manner.