1. Prof. Saifuddin Soz visited Iran on Nov. 23-24, 2007 to participate in the 5th Governing Board Meeting of the Regional Centre on Urban Water Management  (RCUWM) based in Tehran which functions under the auspices of UNESCO.  Speaking on the occasion, the Hon’ble Minister emphasized the importance of water quality, need for optimizing the use of water and designing suitable systems for ground water management with public participation.  Highlighting the importance of water management in dealing with the issue of global warming and climate change, Prof. Soz offered to share India’s experience and expertise with countries of the region and outside.

2. During its meeting, the Governing Council has approved the extension of the RCUWM for a further period of 4-5 years and identified several projects to be taken up in the course of the next two years.  India has offered to assist projects on arsenic removal technology and Training of Trainers for Integrated Urban Water Management.

3. Prof. Soz also met the Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad together with Minister of Energy and Water of the Government of Afghanistan, Mr. Al-Haj Mohammad Ismail and Minister of Regional Municipalities and Water Resources, Mr. Abdullah bin Salem bin Amer al Rawas.  Discussions centred on management of water resources and the activities of the RCUWM.

  Nov 23-24, 2007

Tehran

17 September 2008