TEHRAN Iranian and Emirati authorities have highlighted the need to boost cooperation in combating sand and dust storms (SDSs) and desertification, in addition to curbing air toxin emissions.The head of the Department of Environment (DOE), Shina Ansari, took a trip to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Wednesday for a two-day check out at the invitation of the UAE Vice President, Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, IRNA reported.The officials had actually fulfilled on the sidelines of the United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP29, which was held from November 11 to 22, 2024 in Baku, Azerbaijan.During a conference held on Wednesday, Ansari revealed Irans preparedness to promote ecological collaborations with the UAE, stressing that a joint action strategy is needed to expand joint activities in between the 2 countries.Highlighting Emirates determination in advancing relations with Iran, Zayed Al Nahyan, for his turn, invited the proposed concepts, calling ecological ties vital for safeguarding children and future generations interests.On Thursday, the Iranian authorities and Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, carried out a meeting, as well.Underscoring the significance of the conference hung on Wednesday, Al Jaber voiced the UAE desire in promoting cooperation with Iran.The authorities likewise expressed wish for implementing joint oil, gas, and renewable energy projects with concrete outcomes.For her part, Ansari stressed the significance of advancing cooperation especially on mitigating air pollutant emissions, utilizing modern innovations in the UAE.The two nations have actually currently signed two memorandums of comprehending on protecting the environment and combating sand and dust storms, seeking to lead the way for implementing the agreements.Moreover, Ansari was scheduled to convene with other Emirati officials consisting of Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak Al Shamsi, Minister of Climate Change and the Environment; Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy.Iran prioritizes ecological policyAccording to the previous head of the Department of Environment (DOE), Ali Salajeqeh, ecological diplomacy is the main concern for the nations political diplomacy.One of the measures taken by the Iranian government toward the development of environmental diplomacy was the holding of a local top on combating sand and dust storms in 2022.
The conference was gone to by ministers and representatives of local nations and 6 global firms, and its last declaration was approved as the Tehran Declaration.Considering the increase in the incident of sand and dust storms in the area and the ecological statement on boosting environmental diplomacy, the existing administration aims to endorse regional and international interactions to tackle not just SDSs however likewise water diplomacy and transboundary waters as other critical issues.Exchanging local and global experiences in the field of environment, laying the ground for helping with interactions and taking advantage of worldwide experiences and modern understanding, and participating at numerous levels of environment-related settlements in order to draw in resources, enhance capabilities and safe nationwide interests become part of environmental policies of the present administration.MT/ MG