Egypt and Somalia have rejected unilateral actions by Ethiopia involving international river projects, a statement from the Egyptian presidency has said.
This came as Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi held talks with Somalia President Sheikh Mohamud. The two leaders held a joint press conference on Monday.
In remarks about the dam Ethiopia is building on the Blue Nile, both leaders agreed on the seriousness of Addis Ababa’s “unilateral policies” while implementing projects on international rivers.
Sisi underscored the importance of reaching a legally binding agreement on operating and filling the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) as soon as possible to maintain regional security and stability.
The dispute was sparked between Ethiopia and the Nile’s downstream countries in 2011, when it began the dam construction in a bid to become Africa’s biggest power exporter, generating more than 6,000 megawatts.
Egypt fears that the dam will damage its limited share of the Nile water, about 55.5 billion cubic meters, which the country needs for more than 90% for its supply of drinking water, irrigation for agriculture and industry.
Addis Ababa has recently launched the third phase of GERD filling “unilaterally” and without reaching any agreement with Sudan and Egypt.
Sisi said talks with his counterpart touched on developments in the GERD issue.
Both sides agreed on the need to adhere to the principle of cooperation and prior consultation among neighboring countries to ensure they suffer no harm, in line with the relevant rules of international law.
Sisi said talks focused on the situation in the Horn of Africa, noting that he agreed with the Somali President to work together to consolidate security and stability in this key strategic area.
They further decided to intensify cooperation and coordination on the security of the Red Sea and emphasized the countries’ responsibility to formulate all policies related to that vital waterway, from an integrated perspective that takes into account the various developmental, economic and security aspects.
Sisi said Cairo supports efforts to promote security and peace in Somalia, eliminate terrorism and achieve the aspirations of the Somalis to have a better future that will help the country reassume its active and influential role in the Horn of Africa, at the Arab and continental levels.
He extended his congratulations to his counterpart on assuming the Presidency of the Federal Republic of Somalia, considering it a key step on the path toward reinforcing stability in Somalia and represents a pivotal importance in the Horn of Africa region.
According to Sisi, the deliberations reflected the common views with regard to a multitude of bilateral and regional issues of common interest.
He said they reviewed progress achieved in joint projects between Egypt and Somalia and agreed on the importance of their joint action to strengthen economic development efforts in Somalia.
This is in addition to efforts to open branches for Banque Misr, which were culminated in early July when the Central Bank of Somalia issued the final license to Banque Misr to operate within the country.
Mahmoud, for his part, underscored the support his country receives from Egypt, noting that it helps achieve mutual interests in the region and the world.
He further hailed the historical bilateral relations over the past decades that culminated in joint economic and security projects, as well as social services.
