According to Iraqi news sources, the Iraqi presidential office issued a statement and said President Barham Salih met with Iraqi Minister of Water Resources Mehdi Rashid.

According to the statement, the two sides discussed developments in the country's water situation, declining water levels in the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, and Iraq's share of water in the summer.

In this meeting, Salih put the water issue at the top of the priorities and as one of the foundations of Iraq's national security, as well as relations with neighboring countries to regulate relations with them in the field of water based on the principle of good neighborliness and mutual interests, emphasizing that the Iraqi government and the Ministry of Water Resources would make their attempts in this regard.

The president also stressed on the need for constant attention to dams, protection of surface water, efforts to implement irrigation networks and supply of the farmers' needs throughout the country and the implementation of strategic plans using international experience.

Salih further underscored the importance of tackling drought crises, desertification and climate change in the crisis-hit country.

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