Egypt stresses rejection of unilateral acts in Eastern Nile Basin in talks with Uganda

CAIRO – 1 April 2026: Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty discussed water security with Ugandan Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Henry Okello, highlighting rejection of unilateral measures in the Eastern Nile Basin.

During a meeting in Cairo on Wednesday, Abdelatty underscored the importance of cooperation and integration among Nile Basin countries to achieve mutual benefit.

He stressed the need to uphold a spirit of consensus and fraternity among Southern Nile Basin states to restore inclusivity within the Nile Basin Initiative.

 

Read more about Egypt-Sudan dispute with Ethiopia over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on the Blue Nile, from here. The two downstream countries believe the unilateral filling and operation of the mega dam endangers their interests, while upstream Ethiopia rejects to sign a binding agreement that governs the process.

He also commended Uganda’s efforts during its chairmanship of the initiative’s consultative process, including steps endorsed by its ministerial council to advance joint development projects in accordance with international law and safeguard the interests of all basin countries.

The ministers expressed openness to enhance commercial, economic and investment cooperation between Egypt and Uganda in various fields, especially infrastructure, energy, water resources management, and pharmaceutical industries.

They discussed broadening bilateral political and economic relations and reviewed regional developments, including Egyptian efforts to de-escalate Middle East tensions and end the war in Gaza.

Their talks also covered developments in the Horn of Africa, the Great Lakes region, Sudan and Somalia, as well as efforts to enhance Red Sea security.