Egyptian and Sudanese Ministers Discuss Water Security and Regional Developments
In a significant meeting held in Cairo, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Aati and Sudanese Foreign Minister Ali Al-Sharif addressed critical issues surrounding water security, emphasizing its existential importance to both nations. The Egyptian Foreign Ministry released a statement highlighting the ministers' shared understanding of the need for cooperation on this matter. They underscored Egypt's steadfast support for Sudan, reaffirming respect for its sovereignty and territorial integrity, and rejecting external interference in its domestic affairs.
The meeting also focused on the humanitarian crisis in Sudan, with Abdel Aati expressing Egypt's commitment to assist Sudan politically and humanitarianly. Cairo has previously hosted conferences aimed at uniting Sudanese civil and political factions. Al-Sharif expressed gratitude to Egypt for sheltering Sudanese nationals displaced by ongoing conflict, discussing various concerns related to their welfare and proposing collaborative solutions.
Ongoing Tensions Over the Renaissance Dam
The discussions come amid ongoing tensions regarding the Renaissance Dam project initiated by Ethiopia on the Nile River, which has been a source of contention since its inception in 2011. Egypt and Sudan have repeatedly called for a binding tripartite agreement concerning the dam's filling and operation, especially during drought conditions, to ensure their water supply remains unaffected. However, Ethiopia maintains that the dam is crucial for its development and electricity generation, leading to stalled negotiations since 2020.
Recent talks held in December 2023 in Addis Ababa ended without a resolution, with Cairo accusing Ethiopia of failing to compromise. This ongoing dispute has led Egypt to seek international intervention, previously bringing the issue before the UN Security Council. Meanwhile, Sudan's Foreign Minister also met with Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit to discuss the situation in Sudan, particularly the threat of external military intervention amid the internal conflict fueled by rebel militias.
