Egypt, Sudan water security are inseparable: Egyptian, Sudanese officials - Foreign Affairs

Al-Ahram Weekly

24-02-2025

Egypt and Sudan stated Monday that Sudanese and Egyptian water security are inseparable and form a single, unified entity, asserting their rejection of any unilateral actions that could harm their mutual water interests.
This was stated in a joint statement issued by the foreign and irrigation ministers of Sudan and Egypt following their consultive meeting held on Monday in Cairo. Technical experts from both sides participated. The discussions seemed cordial and constructive, marking mutual understanding.
The two sides reviewed areas of water cooperation and explored ways to strengthen them to serve the interests of the brotherly peoples of Sudan and Egypt.
They agreed to reinforce the concept of water security and work jointly to safeguard the full water rights of both countries, as required by their agreements and the applicable rules of international law.
Additionally, they emphasized the importance of coordinating their positions in various regional and international forums, particularly regarding water rights. They underscored the necessity of adhering to all relevant agreements and regional and international frameworks.
They called on all parties to refrain from unilateral actions that could harm their shared water interests.
Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to working with the Nile Basin Initiative (NBI) member states to restore consensus and bring the initiative back to its foundational principles of cooperation and inclusivity.
They emphasized the importance of preserving the initiative as a comprehensive mechanism that includes all basin countries and serves as a cornerstone for achieving mutual water benefits.
In this context, the two sides agreed to hold a high-level workshop, with the participation of relevant regional and international organizations, to discuss water-related issues and their impact on various sectors, including climate change and security in the Horn of Africa.
Regarding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), the two sides discussed recent developments and acknowledged the serious risks of Ethiopia's unilateral first dam filling, particularly concerning dam safety.
They reaffirmed the importance of coordinating their efforts at regional, continental, and international levels to reach a comprehensive, fair, and legally binding agreement on the filling and operation of GERD.
Both nations emphasized that the GERD issue concerns the three directly affected countries — Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia — without drawing other Nile Basin states into the dispute. They reiterated their commitment to achieving peaceful and political solutions.
The discussions also covered ways to enhance developmental projects between the two countries to strengthen sectoral cooperation.
The Sudanese delegation provided an overview of Sudan's priorities in the reconstruction process, particularly in water-related sectors, such as agriculture and hydroelectric power generation.
Sudan also expressed its expectation of Egypt's active role in implementing the decisions of the 16th session of the Arab Ministerial Council for Water, which supports Sudan's water sector, improves water supply in certain states, and rebuilds water infrastructure damaged by the rebel Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia.
The Egyptian side affirmed its full support for Sudan's reconstruction efforts and welcomed collaboration to strengthen Sudan's water sector.
Egypt also expressed its commitment to supporting Sudan's efforts to mobilize Arab resources to implement the Arab Ministerial Council's resolution on water.
Both parties commended the outcomes of the extraordinary meeting of the Permanent Joint Technical Committee for Nile Waters, held at its Cairo office on 23 February 2025.
They reaffirmed their commitment to the recommendations made regarding issues of mutual interest, particularly the Nile Basin Initiative and its consultative mechanism for non-signatory states to the negotiation framework.
By the 1959 agreement, the committee remains the designated body responsible for formulating and presenting a unified stance on Nile water matters for both countries.
The two sides also agreed to continue cooperation in training programmes between the Ministries of Water Resources and Irrigation of both countries.
Egypt welcomed the opportunity to meet Sudan's urgent training needs in this field, particularly considering Sudan's ongoing reconstruction efforts, as guided by the outcomes of the joint reconstruction team meetings.
Lastly, the discussions addressed broader bilateral relations, with both parties reaffirming their commitment to strengthening and deepening the historic ties that unite the peoples of Egypt and Sudan.
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