Shoukry, Lavrov discuss mutual ties, regional updates and Renaissance Dam

CAIRO – 12 April 2021: Egypt’s Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry discussed several issues of mutual interest with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov during their meeting in Cairo, Monday.

During a joint press conference both leaders discussed their views regarding the updates in the MENA region including updates in Palestine, Lebanon, Syria and Libya.

The also discussed posting cooperation and relations between Cairo and Moscow, as they discussed the latest developments on Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.

Egypt’s Shoukry said that he discussed the Renaissance Dam updates with minster Lavrov during their meeting and that he affirmed Egypt’s rejection to any unilateral measures taken by Addis Ababa on this regard.

“For a decade now, Egypt has been trying to reach an agreement over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam during negotiations and showed great flexibility in this regard, putting into consideration the Sudanese and Ethiopian interests in a bid to equally serve interests of all sides without undermining the water quotas of downstream nations,” Shoukry said

He added that water rights of downstream nations are an existential issue and cannot be handled through negotiations while one of the parties is taking unilateral measures which undermine negotiations and make them hollow.

Shoukry explained that the negotiations have been stalled due to ‘Ethiopia’s obstinacy’.

Commenting on the GERD issue, Lavrov said his country supports any settlement deal, which is taken in coordination between all the parties concerned as long as it guarantees the legitimate interests of the three countries.

On Syria, Shoukry explained that ‘It’s important for Syria to return to the Arab League and restore its vital role in MENA region’. Lavrov also reiterated Russia's stance to ensure commitment to UNSC resolution no. 2452 and protect the unity and independence of the Syrian territories.

Both officials discussed the Palestinian issue and the importance of pushing forward peace talks with the aim of establishing an independent Palestinian state on the borders of June 1967 with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Shoukry noted that he discussed with Lavrov efforts to realize an inter-Palestinian reconciliation.

Shoukry said that the two sides agreed on continuing coordination at the ministerial and non-ministerial levels and a 2+2 meeting will be held soon at the level of foreign and defense ministers.

Talks also covered the developments in, Libya, Lebanon and Syria. Both leaders stress the importance of quick forming of government in Lebanon and upholding the interest of Lebanese people over any other interests.