[ad_1]
Egyptian President Al-Sisi received a phone call from South African President and African Union (AU) President Cyril Ramaphosa on Saturday to discuss developments in the Great Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) negotiations. .
According to a statement by the Egyptian presidency, Al-Sisi stressed the need to reach a legally binding comprehensive agreement on the filling and operation of the dam, as the water of the Nile is an existential problem for Egypt.
Ramaphosa said It hopes to strengthen coordination between the two countries on this delicate and vital issue to reach a fair agreement, praising the sincere and constructive political will that Egypt has always shown to reach a solution to the GERD crisis.
With 90% of its water needs provided by the Nile River, Egypt remains concerned that GERD will reduce its portion of the river’s water, causing harm to its people.
Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia participated in AU-negotiated talks on disputed points related to the Ethiopian dam. The talks ended without any agreement on the points in dispute.
Egypt has expressed concern about its possible impact on its 55 billion cubic meter stake in the Nile river water. Ethiopia insists, however, that the dam will not negatively affect Egypt’s interests.
Both Egypt and Sudan have other fears about the dam’s safety and protection, due to its location in an active geological region, putting it at risk of massive earthquakes or floods.
During the call, Al-Sisi and Ramaphosa also discussed ways to boost cooperation on bilateral issues, as well as continental and international affairs to advance African interests.
[ad_2]
