Latest news with #NileBasin
Egypt Independent
08-07-2025
- Business
- Egypt Independent
FM affirms Egypt's support for South Sudan's peaceful transition to stability
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty affirmed Egypt's aspiration for South Sudan to successfully complete its transitional phase and advance toward the establishment of a stable and cohesive state at the political, economic, and social levels. During a phone call on Monday, July 7th, 2025, the minister of foreign affairs discussed with South Sudanese Foreign Minister Semaya Kumba bilateral relations and regional developments of mutual concern. Abdelatty urged all parties in South Sudan to support the transitional process, foster consensus, prioritize the national interest and fully leverage the assistance provided by the international community and regional organizations. He reaffirmed Egypt's keenness on the security and stability of South Sudan, emphasizing the importance of advancing bilateral cooperation in line with the shared interests of both countries. The foreign minister also highlighted the deep-rooted mutual interests between Egypt and South Sudan in the various sectors, underscoring the importance of enhancing bilateral coordination. Abdelatty noted the steady growth of Egyptian investments in South Sudan over the past decade, particularly in the fields of education, agriculture, irrigation, and healthcare. He said the issue of Nile waters is existential for Egypt and that Egypt looks forward to a constructive stance from South Sudan – within the framework of achieving consensus in the Nile Basin Initiative – to address the concerns of the basin countries and to serve as a bridge for reaching solutions that ensure the realization of the shared interests of the Nile Basin states. For his part, Kumba commended longstanding historical ties between the two countries and reaffirmed South Sudan's commitment to strengthening cooperation with Egypt in all areas. He also expressed South Sudan's understanding of Egypt's water-related concerns and affirmed his country's commitment to engage constructively with Egypt in pursuit of their shared interests.
Middle East
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Middle East
OPEN// FM affirms Egypt's support for South Sudan's peaceful transition to stability
CAIRO, July 7 (MENA) - Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty affirmed Egypt's aspiration for South Sudan to successfully complete its transitional phase and advance toward the establishment of a stable and cohesive state at the political, economic, and social levels. During a phone call on Monday the minister of foreign affairs discussed with South Sudanese Foreign Minister Semaya Kumba bilateral relations and regional developments of mutual concern. Abdelatty urged all parties in South Sudan to support the transitional process, foster consensus, prioritize the national interest and fully leverage the assistance provided by the international community and regional organizations. He reaffirmed Egypt's keenness on the security and stability of South Sudan, emphasizing the importance of advancing bilateral cooperation in line with the shared interests of both countries. The foreign minister also highlighted the deep-rooted mutual interests between Egypt and South Sudan in the various sectors, underscoring the importance of enhancing bilateral coordination. Abdelatty noted the steady growth of Egyptian investments in South Sudan over the past decade, particularly in the fields of education, agriculture, irrigation, and healthcare. He said the issue of Nile waters is existential for Egypt and that Egypt looks forward to a constructive stance from South Sudan - within the framework of achieving consensus in the Nile Basin Initiative - to address the concerns of the basin countries and to serve as a bridge for reaching solutions that ensure the realization of the shared interests of the Nile Basin states. For his part, Kumba commended longstanding historical ties between the two countries and reaffirmed South Sudan's commitment to strengthening cooperation with Egypt in all areas. He also expressed South Sudan's understanding of Egypt's water-related concerns and affirmed his country's commitment to engage constructively with Egypt in pursuit of their shared interests. (MENA) R R N/S A S
Middle East
28-03-2025
- Politics
- Middle East
OPEN// Sisi, Sierra Leone President call for protecting sovereignty, stability in Africa
CAIRO, March 27 (MENA) – President Abdel Fattah El Sisi and Sierra Leone's President Julius Maada Bio stressed the importance of respecting national sovereignty and working to maintain stability in the Horn of Africa. In a joint press conference following talks at Ittihadiya Palace on Thursday, the two leaders called for a permanent African seat at the UN Security Council, stressing the importance of African unity based on the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration. President Sisi emphasized Egypt's support for stability in West Africa and the Sahel and stressed the need for a comprehensive approach to combating terrorism that includes addressing economic and social challenges. He reaffirmed that Nile water is a matter of national survival for Egypt and called for increased cooperation among Nile Basin countries to secure shared benefits. On Gaza, both presidents called for a permanent and sustainable ceasefire, resumption of negotiations, and the establishment of a Palestinian state along the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital. The two leaders also agreed to expand cooperation in the domains of agriculture, infrastructure, irrigation, fisheries, and food security, and to strengthen economic and investment ties between between both countries. (MENA) H A T/R E E
See - Sada Elbalad
24-02-2025
- Politics
- See - Sada Elbalad
Egypt, Sudan Warn of Serious Risks from Ethiopia's Unilateral GERD Filling, Call for Peaceful Solutions
Egypt and Sudan have expressed serious concerns over Ethiopia's unilateral filling of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), emphasizing the potential risks, particularly regarding the dam's safety. In a joint statement issued today, both countries underscored the need for peaceful and political solutions to the ongoing dispute. The statement, published by Egypt's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Facebook, followed a consultative meeting of foreign and irrigation ministers from both countries held in Cairo. The meeting concluded with an agreement to organize a high-level workshop with regional and international organizations to discuss water-related issues and their impacts. Egypt and Sudan reaffirmed that the GERD dispute remains a matter solely involving Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia, and stressed the importance of not involving other Nile Basin countries. They highlighted the necessity of coordinating efforts regionally and internationally to reach a comprehensive, fair, and legally binding agreement on the filling and operation of the dam. The statement emphasized that Sudan's and Egypt's water security are inseparable and called on all parties to avoid unilateral actions that could harm their water interests. Furthermore, the two nations reiterated their commitment to working with the Nile Basin Initiative (NBI) countries to restore consensus and revive the NBI's foundational principles. They emphasized the importance of maintaining the initiative as a comprehensive cooperation mechanism that benefits all Nile Basin countries. The GERD, situated on the Blue Nile, has been a contentious issue since Ethiopia began construction in 2011. While Ethiopia sees the dam as crucial for its development and energy needs, Egypt and Sudan fear it could threaten their water security. Despite multiple negotiation rounds, the three nations have yet to reach a binding agreement on the dam's operation and water-sharing guidelines. Egypt and Sudan remain dedicated to pursuing diplomatic avenues and maintaining stability in the Nile Basin region through constructive dialogue and international cooperation.
Al-Ahram Weekly
23-02-2025
- Politics
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Egypt suspended participation in Nile Basin Initiative over deviations from cooperative principles: Irrigation Minister
Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Hani Sewilam stated that Egypt was compelled to suspend its participation in the Nile Basin Initiative (NBI) technical activities in 2010 due to deviations from the consensual cooperative principles upon which the initiative was initially founded. Speaking at the Nile Day event on 22 February—held in Ethiopia to commemorate the 19th anniversary of the NBI—Sewilam addressed an audience that included water ministers from South Sudan, Ethiopia, and Kenya, as well as diplomats from Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Uganda. In his address, the minister highlighted this year's theme, "Strengthening Nile Cooperation for Climate Resilience and Shared Prosperity," describing it as a crucial call to action. He underscored the significance of Nile Day as a symbol of unity among Nile Basin countries, reaffirming their collective commitment to regional cooperation. Sewilam noted that the NBI, established in 1999, remains the only inclusive platform that unites all Nile Basin states in fostering mutual prosperity and sustainable development. However, Egypt suspended its participation in 2010 following deviations from the cooperative consensus while drafting the Cooperative Framework Agreement (CFA). This shift, he explained, led to an imbalanced framework that encouraged unilateralism, disregarded the vital interests of downstream nations, and undermined the spirit of collaboration. The minister also criticised non-cooperative and unilateral actions taken under the guise of sovereignty, which ignore international law and pose serious challenges to transboundary cooperation. He warned that these actions are particularly detrimental to Egypt, one of the most water-scarce countries in the world, which relies almost entirely on the Nile for its survival. Sewilam stressed the importance of adhering to international law by ensuring proper consultation and conducting socio-economic and environmental impact assessments before implementing major water-related projects. He added that a case in point is the unilateral construction, filling, and operation of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, undertaken without the necessary socio-economic and environmental impact studies or a legally binding agreement with other riparian countries. He reaffirmed that Egypt respects the right of all riparian states to pursue development and actively supports their growth and progress but, in return, seeks recognition and protection of its fundamental right to life and livelihood. Sewilam also highlighted Egypt's consistent support for initiatives to restore unity within the Nile Basin and strengthen regional collaboration. In this context, he reaffirmed Egypt's commitment to the recent decision by the Nile Council of Ministers (Nile-COM) to launch a consultation process involving three of the six CFA signatories—Uganda, Rwanda, and South Sudan—alongside the four non-signatory countries: the Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Kenya, and Sudan. The minister stressed the need for enhanced cooperation to tackle pressing water challenges such as prolonged droughts, devastating floods, and erratic rainfall patterns, all exacerbated by climate change. He emphasised that joint management of the Nile's resources is essential for regional stability and resilience in the face of transboundary water crises. Sewilam also praised Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni's wise decision to postpone the second Nile Basin Summit of Heads of State and Government. This postponement, he said, allows member states more time to consult and address concerns, ensuring a more inclusive and constructive dialogue. The minister expressed confidence that discussions surrounding the summit will resume only after the consultation process has been successfully concluded. He concluded by stating that "Leaving No One Behind" is not merely a global sustainable development agenda slogan but a guiding principle for inclusivity and collective progress. "This requires overcoming differences and prioritising shared interests among all Nile Basin states to ensure a future marked by stability, cooperation, and shared prosperity," he asserted, reaffirming Egypt's unwavering commitment to inclusivity, cooperation, and peace. Short link:
