U.S. official stumping Middle East on water issues

A top U.S. official is traveling to Israel, Jordan and Egypt to promote cooperation in the use and sharing of water.

The visit this week by Maria Otero, the undersecretary for democracy and global affairs, “will underscore the need to elevate our diplomatic efforts surrounding water; harness the power of science and technology; leverage the full range of relationships; and build capacity at local, national and regional levels,” a State Department statement said.

It said Otero “will meet with government officials and non-governmental organizations about a wide range of science, technology, and policy-based solutions that address water challenges confronting the region.”

Otero will also discuss human rights and refugee-related issues.