Egypt's former Minister of Water Resources, Mohamed Abdel-Aty, has revealed that Egypt has been engaged in 14 years of negotiations with Ethiopia to reach an agreement on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. Abdel-Aty emphasized that Egypt is committed to cooperation and development in the Nile Basin countries. He pointed out that over the past decade, numerous dams have been built, and agreements on customs and movement have been established between countries to promote trade and regional stability.
Abdel-Aty noted that Egypt has conducted studies on the environmental impacts of dam construction and has prepared a development plan as a country that values peace and cooperation with other African nations. He stressed that Egypt is not opposed to development but rather to unilateral actions that may harm the interests of other countries in the region. The former minister highlighted the importance of cooperation and dialogue in resolving issues related to the dam.
The Ethiopian dam has caused a controlled flood, resulting in the inundation of agricultural lands in Sudan and disrupting water supplies in Addis Ababa. Abdel-Aty mentioned that Egypt is working to achieve stability and security in Africa and that the dam's construction has presented several technical challenges. He also pointed out that in the last round of negotiations, an agreement was almost reached, but the Ethiopian side failed to attend.
Abdel-Aty stated that Egypt has offered several solutions in the form of an agreement, but Ethiopia has not signed it. He attributed the prolonged negotiations to Ethiopia's tendency to agree to terms and then contradict them, leading to increased tensions. The former minister revealed that Egypt had planned to implement development projects in Addis Ababa.
Abdel-Aty emphasized that if there is a genuine political will in Ethiopia to resolve the dam issue, an agreement can be reached. He stressed that Egypt aims to cooperate on issues related to drought, dam operation, and river management, in accordance with international law. The former minister expressed his hope for a peaceful resolution through negotiations and agreements.
The Declaration of Principles on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam is a general framework for cooperation on the filling and operation of the dam, prepared by an international company. Abdel-Aty noted that the agreement obliges all countries to implement these principles, but Ethiopia has been slow to implement them. He reiterated Egypt's commitment to finding a peaceful solution through dialogue and cooperation.
Abdel-Aty concluded that 14 years of negotiations with Ethiopia have shown that every problem has a solution through consultation and cooperation. He emphasized that Egypt is committed to achieving a peaceful resolution through agreements, as the cost of cooperation is much lower than any other solution. The former minister's statements highlight the complexities of the dam issue and the need for continued dialogue between Egypt and Ethiopia.
Key points
- Egypt's former Minister of Water Resources, Mohamed Abdel-Aty, has been engaged in 14 years of negotiations with Ethiopia over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.
- Abdel-Aty emphasized Egypt's commitment to cooperation and development in the Nile Basin countries.
- The negotiations have been prolonged due to Ethiopia's tendency to agree to terms and then contradict them.
