Egypt has vowed to protect its Nile water security as its dispute with Ethiopia over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam continues.
Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly delivered the message at the UN General Assembly. He was speaking on behalf of President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi.
Madbouly described the Nile as vital to Egypt’s existence. He also said protecting the country’s water security was an “existential” priority.
Egypt puts Nile water security first
Egypt says its rights to Nile water cannot be compromised.
According to Egypt’s State Information Service, Madbouly said Cairo could take legal steps to defend its water interests.
He said Egypt has rights under the UN Charter and international law. These rights, he argued, allow the country to protect its water security.
However, Madbouly stressed that Egypt does not oppose development in neighbouring countries.
Instead, he said development should not harm other states.
“Development must not come at the expense of harming others,” Madbouly said, according to the State Information Service.
He also called for cooperation and good relations between countries that share water resources.
Ethiopia dam remains at centre of dispute
The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, known as GERD, remains at the centre of the dispute.
Ethiopia built the massive dam on the Blue Nile.
For Ethiopia, GERD is important for electricity generation and economic development. Egypt, however, depends heavily on the Nile and has raised concerns about its water security.
Cairo has pushed for a binding agreement over the dam.
Madbouly said shared water resources should encourage cooperation rather than conflict.
Egypt rejects unilateral action
Egypt has also opposed unilateral measures involving shared Nile waters.
Madbouly called for binding agreements based on international law. He said such agreements should protect the rights and interests of all sides.
Meanwhile, Business Insider Africa reported that the United States has been expanding its security and economic relationship with Ethiopia.
Senior US and Ethiopian officials recently met on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. According to Business Insider Africa, they discussed defence, trade and economic cooperation.
Still, Egypt’s latest message focused mainly on the Nile dispute.
Cairo says it supports development across the region. However, it insists that development should not threaten its own access to Nile water.
The Egypt Nile water security dispute therefore remains a major issue between Egypt and Ethiopia.