Egypt and Sudan’s foreign ministers met in Cairo to discuss water security amidst ongoing tensions with Ethiopia over the Nile River dam, and to express support for Somalia in combatting terrorism. Egypt reaffirmed its backing for Sudan amid its recent conflict, emphasizing the need for humanitarian assistance.
On Sunday in Cairo, the foreign ministers of Egypt and Sudan convened to address critical issues concerning water security and their support for Somalia. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and his Sudanese counterpart Ali Al-Sharif underscored the importance of collaboration to safeguard the water resources of both nations. They have expressed their shared concerns about the ongoing tensions with Ethiopia regarding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam on the Nile River, which threatens to diminish Egypt’s vital water supply.
In their discussions, the ministers likewise reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Somalia, advocating for the respect of its sovereignty and the integrity of its territory while endorsing the country’s counter-terrorism initiatives. The meeting further emphasized the need for regional stability amid heightened tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia, particularly following Ethiopia’s recent agreement with the self-declared Somaliland region.
Additionally, Foreign Minister Abdelatty extended Egypt’s solidarity with Sudan during its ongoing civil conflict involving the army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). He called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and stressed the urgency for humanitarian assistance to address the dire situation affecting millions of Sudan’s inhabitants.
The relations between Egypt and Sudan with respect to water resources have grown increasingly complex, particularly due to the construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on the Nile River. As predominantly downstream nations, both Egypt and Sudan have raised concerns over their water security related to the dam’s potential reduction of water flow from the Nile, which is Egypt’s primary freshwater source. The failure to reach an agreement through years of negotiations has heightened regional tensions. Furthermore, the situation in Somalia has been fraught with challenges, including terror threats and political instability, especially since the aforementioned agreement between Ethiopia and the Somaliland region. Sudan has also faced a devastating armed conflict leading to severe humanitarian crises.
In summary, the talks between Egyptian and Sudanese foreign ministers in Cairo focused on pivotal issues such as maintaining water security amid regional tensions over the Nile, alongside a strong commitment to supporting Somalia against terrorism. The ongoing conflict in Sudan necessitates international humanitarian efforts, with Egypt advocating for peace and stability in the nation. The diplomatic dialogues signify the importance of cooperation in navigating complex regional challenges affecting water security and political stability.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
