Riyadh: Saudi Arabia emphasized the importance of international cooperation in addressing growing water challenges, calling for a shift in perspective on water from a sectoral issue to a strategic economic link connecting climate, food, energy, health, and ecosystems.

According to Saudi Press Agency, this came during Deputy Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture for Water Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Shibani's participation in the 5th Istanbul International Water Forum, held on May 5 and 6, where he led a high-level delegation aimed at strengthening the Kingdom's international presence in water issues.

Al-Shibani stressed the importance of unifying international efforts through governance, innovation, and data utilization to enhance water resilience.

The Kingdom's delegation, in partnership with the World Water Council, organized a session linking the Istanbul forum's outcomes to preparations for the upcoming World Water Forum in Riyadh in 2027, reviewing progress toward the second stakeholders' consultative meeting, scheduled for June 28-29 in Jeddah.