Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry began a visit to New York, ahead of the UN Security Council session on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), scheduled for Thursday.
Shoukry held a series of intensive meetings with his counterparts, permanent delegates of the member states of the Security Council, and UN officials.
He reaffirmed Egypt’s firm position on the need to reach a binding legal agreement on filling and operating the dam that takes into account the interests of the three countries.
Egypt and Sudan are counting on a decisive UN intervention in the dispute over the dam, which Ethiopia is building on the main tributary of the Nile River and raises fears of its impact on their water shares.
Last month, Egypt and Sudan sent two letters to the Security Council, calling for an emergency session to solve the conflict, which threatens international peace and security.
Ethiopia rejected the Security Council mediation, calling on the Council to encourage Egypt and Sudan to continue negotiating in good faith under the auspice of the African Union.
President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi confirmed that Egypt understands Ethiopia's development needs, but negotiations should not “continue indefinitely.”
Sisi inaugurated the 3rd of July Naval Base in Gargoub, on the northwest coast. He stressed that his country is seeking to reach a binding legal agreement per international norms.
Regarding his country’s threat of military action, the president indicated that Egypt has not threatened anyone throughout history despite its military power, thanking the friendly countries for their efforts to resolve the Dam crisis.
Ethiopia plans to implement the second filling of the dam, regardless of reaching an agreement with Sudan and Egypt.
Shoukry said the second filing constitutes a new violation, speaking during a televised interview, he said that the Egyptian position always moves towards peace and looks forward to a binding legal agreement that ensures the rights of all parties.
He warned that there is real damage in the construction of the dam, but it is damage that can be dealt with and contained, noting that this matter is being monitored by technical teams.
Shoukry explained that Egypt seeks to avoid a conflict in the East African region and the Horn of Africa, stressing that Cairo has the determination and ability to defend its water interests and will spare no effort in protecting its national security.
The Minister stressed that Egypt is currently focusing its efforts on the Security Council session next Thursday, saying that many member states of the Security Council are reluctant in addressing water issues.
Earlier, the French ambassador and current President of the Security Council, Nicolas de Riviere, announced said: “I don't think the council can do much more than that,” regarding the GERD issue.
Shoukry said his country was not surprised about the position of the Security Council, noting that this comment was not made in full coordination with France.
He stressed that it was expected that there would be a stronger position from the council, in the context of pushing the parties to resume negotiations.
