Presidential Aide Ruslan Edelgeriyev held bilateral meetings with high-ranking representatives of Saudi Arabia and the UAE

The participants focused on coordinating the efforts within the framework of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in countries affected by severe droughts and/or desertification, especially in Africa, and implementing joint sustainable water resource management projects.

During the meeting with Saudi Arabia's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel Al-Jubeir, the parties agreed to step up joint preparations for the upcoming Conference of the Parties to the UNCCD in Mongolia, with particular focus on harmonising positions. The parties discussed continuity of presidencies and the use of Saudi Arabia's successful experience in hosting the 16^th session of the UNCCD Conference of the Parties (COP16) to develop coordinated decisions at the upcoming meeting in Ulaanbaatar and to ensure consistency of the global agenda.

Prospects for cooperation as part of the 11^th World Water Forum in Riyadh on April 14-15, 2027 were discussed separately. The parties reviewed potential joint high-tech projects for water desalination and treatment and agreed to deepen scientific cooperation.

During the talks with UAE Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Energy and Sustainability Abdulla Ahmed Balalaa, the parties focused on preparations for the International Water Conference in the UAE on December 2-4, 2026 and agreed on holding a joint thematic event on the sidelines of the conference to showcase shared approaches and technologies.

Desertification was discussed separately. The importance of developing coordinated solutions amid growing climate challenges was emphasised, along with an agreement to step up cooperation in the run-up to international talks under the UNCCD. In addition, both sides reaffirmed mutual interest in advancing water project cooperation, expanding scientific ties, and establishing additional formats to exchange experience on land degradation and ecosystem restoration.

The delegations from Saudi Arabia and the UAE were invited to the international scientific conference, Agroecological Aspects of Protective Forest Planting and Integrated Land Reclamation in Adaptive Landscape Farming Systems, in Volgograd in October.

Following the meetings, the parties confirmed their commitment to strengthening practical interaction to achieve the UNCCD goals, to develop scientific collaboration, and to implement ambitious projects aimed at improving ecosystem resilience and preserving natural resources.