Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and Uganda’s Henry Okello signed a declaration on December 4, 2024, to enhance cooperation, particularly regarding Nile River waters. The agreement includes commitments to mutual consultations and collaboration in various fields such as defense, agriculture, and infrastructure development, with plans to reconvene in early 2025.
On December 4, 2024, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and Ugandan Minister of State for International Affairs Henry Okello formalized a partnership aimed at enhancing bilateral relations and ensuring collaborative management of the Nile River waters. Signed in Cairo during political consultations attended by Ugandan officials, this agreement emphasizes the necessity for regular dialogues to establish mutually beneficial arrangements regarding the Nile, conducted in adherence to international legal principles. In addition to water management, the agreement encompasses cooperation across various sectors, including defense, agriculture, and infrastructure development. Egypt is committed to support Uganda’s developmental projects aligned with national priorities, drawing from successful projects such as the Owen Falls Dam. Both leaders underscored the importance of preserving Nile water access while reaching out to enhance trade and investment opportunities between the two nations. They plan to meet again in Kampala in early 2025 to further these discussions.
The Nile River is a vital resource for several African countries, particularly Egypt and Sudan, which have historical rights to its waters. The Entebbe Agreement, signed in 2010 by upstream nations including Uganda, has been contentious, prompting concerns in Egypt and Sudan over potential impacts on their water shares. This newly signed declaration by Egypt and Uganda seeks to establish a framework for cooperation that respects the Nile’s shared nature, while also addressing each country’s developmental needs. The commitment to mutual consultations signals a proactive approach to resolving potential conflicts and promoting stability within the Nile Basin.
In conclusion, the joint declaration between Egypt and Uganda marks a significant step towards collaborative water management and bilateral cooperation. By establishing regular consultations, both nations aim to achieve mutual benefits while addressing the complexities surrounding the Nile River’s resources. The focus on various sectors, including infrastructure and agriculture, alongside a commitment to uphold international legal frameworks, illustrates a comprehensive strategy for partnership and development between these two countries.
Original Source: www.egypttoday.com
