TOKYO – 3 June 2026: Egypt has reaffirmed its rejection of unilateral measures in transboundary rivers, including the Nile, while emphasizing its readiness to expand cooperation with Japan on water management projects and sustainable development.
Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty met Yoko Kamikawa, Special Envoy of the Japanese Prime Minister to the 2026 United Nations Water Conference on Wednesday, Abdelatty reviewed Egypt’s acute water scarcity challenges, the ministry said in a statement.
Abdelatty stressed the government’s efforts through its national water resources management strategy, which includes improving efficiency in water use, expanding water treatment and reuse, and modernizing irrigation systems.
He welcomed cooperation with Japan in these areas, particularly in transferring expertise and advanced technological solutions.
Unilateral Actions on Nile
At the same time, Abdelatty underscored the importance of cooperation and integration in managing transboundary rivers, rejecting unilateral actions, including on the Nile.
He stressed the need for prior notification and avoidance of harm to downstream states in line with international law.
The remarks come amid a long-running dispute between Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on the Blue Nile.
Egypt has repeatedly voiced concerns that Ethiopia’s filling and operation of the dam could affect its downstream water supply, while negotiations among the three countries have stalled in recent years without a binding agreement on the dam’s operation.
Abdelatty expressed Egypt’s interest in maintaining close cooperation with Japan during the co-chairmanship of the UN conference’s third interactive dialogue, led by Kamikawa and Egyptian Water Resources and Irrigation Minister Hani Sewilam.
He highlighted building on successful collaboration during the 2023 UN Water Conference to achieve tangible outcomes at the 2026 edition and advance the global water agenda toward 2030.
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