"Western countries' technologies are patented; accordingly, developing countries, which need them, do not have free access. The most acute problems for Africa today are water supply, quality of drinking water, wastewater, and water supply for agriculture. Therefore, it is absolutely fair that today they turn to Russia for experience, qualifications, and technologies. Here we are ready to help and cooperate," outlined the official.
"Not long ago we met a delegation from Zimbabwe at Rosvodresursy. Our colleagues expressed interest in the dialogue on water resources," he said. "It should be noted that we have certain experience of cooperation since the Soviet times. Zimbabwe respects not only our competences in water resources management, but also environmental education practices. We have agreed to continue our communication at the Nevsky Ecological Congress to be held in St. Petersburg at the end of May."
"The government [of Russia] pays much attention to promoting rational water use and introduction of water-saving technologies in industry. [...] As for agriculture, which on average accounts for 70% of total water consumption in the world, we have something to offer: pipelines, drip irrigation technologies, and breeding crops that drink less with the same crop yield," stated the official.
"Absolutely all nations are affected by water-related issues, both in terms of their vulnerability due to climate change, the increasing demand of industries, and their impact on public health and well-being," outlined the official.
"In the case of a life-supporting resource, solutions can only be found through cooperation and retention of sovereignty over its management," he stated. "This is how we develop the dialogue with our partners. We will continue expert co-operation on water, as on the entire environmental agenda, because of its global significance."