Latest news with #NileBasinInitiative
Egypt Independent
3 days ago
- Business
- Egypt Independent
Egypt and Sudan reaffirm Nile water rights and joint 1959 agreement
Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly stated that 'Egypt and Sudan are like one body, and their relations are deeply rooted in history. Egypt has opened its doors to its Sudanese brothers fleeing the calamities of war.' During a press conference, Madbouly added that 'both sides expressed their rejection of Ethiopia's unilateral approach on the Blue Nile, which is inconsistent with relevant principles of international law and with the spirit of cooperation that should prevail in connection with the use of the Nile River, the lifeblood of all basin countries.' They also affirmed their joint coordination through the Permanent Joint Technical Commission for Nile Waters, the body tasked with studying and formulating a unified position for both countries on Nile water affairs under the 1959 agreement. The two countries agreed on the need to give sufficient opportunity to the Nile Basin Initiative's consultative mechanism to settle disputes and enhance cooperation among basin countries, in a manner that preserves the sustainability of the great Nile River and the water interests of the two downstream nations. The 1959 agreement: A framework for water rights The 1959 agreement between Egypt and Sudan is a bilateral treaty to regulate the utilization of Nile River water. It secured their acquired rights to the Nile's water and paved the way for development projects such as the Aswan High Dam in Egypt and the Roseires Dam in Sudan. The agreement confirmed Egypt's and Sudan's acquired rights to Nile water, with Egypt receiving 55.5 billion cubic meters and Sudan receiving 18.5 billion cubic meters. In the event of an increase in the Nile's average flow, the difference between the new estimate and the 84 billion cubic meters is to be divided equally between the two countries. This announcement follows the arrival of Sudan's transitional Prime Minister, Kamil El-Tayeb Idris, in Egypt on Thursday, his first foreign visit since assuming office last May. The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) crisis is one of the most prominent challenges in the relations between Nile Basin countries, especially among Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia. Ethiopia began construction of the dam in 2011 on the Blue Nile, which contributes about 86 percent of the Nile's water. This has raised fears in Egypt and Sudan about the dam's impact on their water shares. Egypt relies on the Nile for more than 90 percent of its water resources, making the dam an existential issue for the country. Ethiopia, however, views the dam as essential for generating electricity and achieving economic development. Historically, Nile water shares were determined by the 1929 and 1959 agreements, which granted Egypt and Sudan fixed shares (48 billion cubic meters for Egypt and 4 billion for Sudan out of a total of 84 billion cubic meters). The agreements also gave Egypt veto power over any projects on the Nile or its tributaries. Upstream countries like Uganda and Ethiopia did not participate in these agreements, which were concluded under British colonial rule, leading them to consider the agreements non-binding. Egypt and Ethiopia at loggerheads over water rights The trilateral negotiations between Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia, mediated by the African Union, have failed to produce a binding agreement on the filling and operation of the dam. Egypt accuses Ethiopia of taking unilateral actions, such as filling the reservoir in 2020 and 2021 without an agreement, which it says threatens the water security of the downstream nations. In contrast, Ethiopia asserts the dam will not cause significant harm, citing a 2013 tripartite technical committee report, and maintains its right to development. In a prior statement, former Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Atty called Ethiopia's invitation to Egypt to attend the inauguration of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) 'absurd.' He affirmed that Egypt reserves its right to legitimate self-defense and to protect its water interests if any harm were to occur. Previously, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed had announced the completion of the GERD's construction and set its inauguration for this coming September, coinciding with the end of summer. In response, Egypt stated its categorical rejection of Ethiopia's continued attempts to impose a fait accompli through unilateral actions regarding the Nile, an internationally shared water resource.
Al-Ahram Weekly
5 days ago
- Business
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Egypt reiterates readiness to fund Ugandan water projects in Nile Basin - Foreign Affairs
Egypt reiterated on Wednesday its readiness to "finance and mobilize the necessary financing" for Uganda's water-related infrastructure projects in the Nile Basin during bilateral talks in Entebbe. Egypt also has pledged to support development projects in the upstream nations, Uganda, as per a joint statement released by both nations following the conclusion of the second round of (2+2) ministerial consultations between Egyptian and Ugandan officials. The consultation round was held in Entebbe on Monday and Tuesday. Both nations also underscored their commitment to "win-win cooperation" and the importance of avoiding significant harm to the Nile River. They also agreed to hold regular consultations on Nile water management, to reach a cooperative agreement that adheres to international law, according to the statement. The commitment aligns with a new financing mechanism approved by the Egyptian cabinet last year. The mechanism aims to strengthen Egypt's African ties, particularly the Nile Basin countries, as being a strategic depth for Egypt. Egypt's commitment to support Uganda's projects is based on successful collaborations in the Owen Dam and the Water Weed Control Project in Uganda, the statement noted. Meanwhile, Egypt, the statement noted, welcomed the "constructive engagement" in the Nile Basin Initiative's (NBI) Ad Hoc Committee, which is currently presided over by Uganda. The committee engages with NBI countries that have not yet ratified the Cooperative Framework Agreement (CFA), also known as the "Entebbe Agreement." Egypt froze its full participation in the NBI in 2010 due to disagreements over the CFA, which contains three controversial items that Egypt rejects, including a provision on water security. "The two parties look forward to the continuation of the Nile Basin Initiative's consultative process to restore comprehensive participation and achieve win-win cooperation among the Nile Basin countries," the Egyptian-Ugandan statement said. An Egyptian delegation, led by Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Hani Sewilam and Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, participated in the (2+2) consultations. In a side meeting with Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni on Monday, Minister Abdelatty underscored that Cairo will take all necessary measures guaranteed under international law to protect its water security. 'The Nile River is an existential issue for Egypt,' Abdelatty stated. Abdelatty's comments come as Ethiopia plans to inaugurate its disputed dam – built on the Nile River and known as GERD – in September despite a lack of agreement with downstream countries, Egypt and Sudan. Cairo and Khartoum, while not opposed to Ethiopia's development aims, have repeatedly criticized Addis Ababa's unilateral actions after it filled the dam in five stages between 2020 and 2024 Elevated Bilateral Cooperation According to the joint statement, Egypt and Uganda have agreed to intensify high-level exchanges, including ministerial and summit visits, as well as enhance bilateral cooperation in defence, security, law enforcement, peacebuilding, and counter-terrorism. This includes exchanging expertise and providing technical cooperation on water resources management and capacity building, the statement clarified. Such commitment will be coordinated via bodies from both nations, such as the Egyptian Agency for Partnership for Development and the Cairo International Centre for Conflict Resolution, Peacekeeping, and Peacebuilding, as well as the Egyptian Diplomatic Institute and Uganda's National Defence and Diplomatic Colleges. Furthermore, both nations will encourage their private sectors to boost bilateral trade and investment by organising trade visits, promoting investment, and holding forums to explore new opportunities. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Daily News Egypt
21-07-2025
- Automotive
- Daily News Egypt
Al-Sisi reviews progress on local manufacturing, urges deeper self-sufficiency
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi met on Monday with Lieutenant General Mokhtar Abdel Latif, Chairperson of the Arab Organization for Industrialization (AOI), to review the progress of strategic civil and defence industry projects designed to strengthen domestic manufacturing and localize advanced technologies, according to a presidential statement. Presidential spokesperson Mohamed El-Shennawy said the meeting highlighted AOI's initiatives across multiple sectors, including transport, clean energy, medical supplies, and wood products, as well as its ongoing efforts to expand military production for the armed forces and boost exports. Abdel Latif outlined the AOI's strategic vision, which focuses on industrial modernisation, developing skilled human capital, advancing scientific research, and forging partnerships with major local, regional, and international companies to reinforce Egypt's position as a regional manufacturing hub. The AOI chief also announced that production has begun on the Citroën C4X in cooperation with global automotive group Stellantis, with an annual target of 7,000 vehicles and a cumulative goal of 28,000 over four years. Production of the new Jeep Cherokee is scheduled to start in September 2024, alongside the Toyota Fortuner SUV at a planned annual output of 1,200 units. In addition, AOI is expanding into electronics, with new production lines for laptops, tablets, smartphones, prepaid electricity meters, and routers aimed at meeting domestic demand and reducing reliance on imports. The meeting also covered AOI's clean energy initiatives, including the manufacture of advanced solar panels and the development of a solar power station in Uganda as part of Egypt's contribution to the Nile Basin Initiative. AOI is further investing in smart digital marketing platforms to broaden its reach in both local and regional markets. On human capital development, Abdel Latif highlighted the organisation's education and training programmes through its technology and engineering academies, vocational institutes, and international collaborations, such as with the International Institute of Welding in Italy. President Al-Sisi commended AOI's achievements and called for continued efforts to expand domestic production, reduce costs, and enhance competitiveness. He also stressed the importance of minimising imports in key sectors to cut the trade deficit and save foreign currency, while urging greater coordination among government ministries, the private sector, and national industrial institutions to unlock Egypt's full manufacturing potential.
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
