Energy minister attends GCC meeting

Riyadh, May 28 (BNA): Energy Minister Dr. Abdulhussain Mirza took part in a meeting of electricity and water ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council in Riyadh, which discussed the development and sustainability of water resources in the region. Enhancing the security of the municipal water supply as well as strengthening governance and awareness, economic efficiency and financial sustainability to reduce the economic costs of water supply and increasing cost recovery while maintaining the quality of service, were also discussed. It was decided to follow up the implementation of policies on proposed programmes, achievement of strategic objectives and policies, administrative and legislative indicators and capacity building. The ministers also stressed on the importance of a water linkage project among GCC countries, according to the directives Their Majesties and Highnesses the leaders of the GCC. Dr. Mirza said Bahrain is serious about linking the main water network in the country with Saudi Arabia and this issue was discussed with the Saudi Minister of Environment Water and Agriculture. The ministers reviewed various GCC General Secretariat memoranda on a study to set up a Regional Regulatory Commission to monitor electricity interconnection and cooperation in water resources and renewable energy. The ministers stressed the importance of the annual and said it fostered closer ties, integration and exchange of experiences and perspectives among senior officials. Dr. Mirza was accompanied by Electricity and Water Authority Chief Executive Sheikh Nawaf bin Ibrahim Al Khalifaand a number of officials.