Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly of Egypt addressed the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, highlighting the critical issue of water security for his country. He emphasized that the Nile River is not just an economic resource but a vital part of Egyptian society's existence and historical development. Madbouly represented President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi at the high-level general debate. Egypt's stance on water security was clear: it is an existential issue that allows for no compromise.
Madbouly affirmed Egypt's legitimate right to protect its water security, citing the UN Charter and international law. He stressed that while Egypt supports other nations' right to development, it cannot come at the expense of harming others. The prime minister advocated for cooperation and good neighborliness in managing shared resources, rather than unilateral measures or fait accompli policies. This approach, he said, should be anchored in binding agreements in accordance with international law.
The prime minister emphasized that cross-border water resources should be a domain for cooperation, not conflict. He noted that development in one nation should not harm others and called for binding agreements based on international law. Madbouly's statements underscored the importance of collective management of shared water resources. Egypt's position on the Nile River and its significance to the country's existence and development was reiterated.
Madbouly also addressed regional crises, warning against foreign interventions and the erosion of national state institutions. He emphasized that these crises cannot be managed as isolated cases. The prime minister's statements reflected Egypt's concerns about the impact of regional instability on its own security and development. He called for a comprehensive approach to addressing these challenges.
On the Palestinian issue, Madbouly called for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and rejected any displacement of Palestinians. He reaffirmed Egypt's goal of an independent Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. The prime minister's statements on the Palestinian issue highlighted Egypt's commitment to a two-state solution. He also stressed the need to consolidate the ceasefire in Gaza.
Madbouly expressed Egypt's unwavering support for Sudan's unity, sovereignty, and state institutions, addressing the Sudanese crisis. He also called for a genuine and comprehensive reform of the UN Security Council to address the historical injustice faced by Africa. The prime minister further underscored the need to reform the global financial architecture and govern emerging technologies responsibly.
In his concluding remarks, Madbouly emphasized the need for effective multilateralism and an international system that fulfills its commitments and guarantees equality in sovereignty among states. He stressed that the Palestinian issue is a prominent example of the flaws in the current international system. Madbouly said the goal is clear: to establish an independent, sovereign Palestinian state.
Key points
- Egypt's Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly emphasized the country's right to protect its water security at the UN General Assembly.
- Madbouly called for cooperation and good neighborliness in managing shared water resources.
- The prime minister addressed regional crises, including the Palestinian issue and the Sudanese crisis.
