Egypt, Uganda advance collaboration on water security, development

CAIRO - 1 November 2024: In a meeting with Uganda’s Minister of International Relations, Henry Okello Oryem, Egypt’s Foreign Minister, Badr Abdel Atty, emphasized the importance of water security as an existential issue for Egypt.

The two ministers discussed ways to enhance bilateral relations, especially in economic and trade sectors, and agreed on expanding joint projects that foster development in Uganda through increased Egyptian investments and companies operating in the country.

Abdel Atty emphasized the need to deepen cooperation across promising fields, including modern irrigation, agriculture, construction, medical supplies, renewable energy, food industries, and vaccine production for both humans and animals. Egypt also aims to share its expertise in electricity and control invasive weeds in Lake Victoria and other Ugandan lakes.

Both ministers agreed to hold a joint political consultation session with participation from Uganda’s Ministers of Water, Environment, and Trade, focusing on high-priority issues in both countries.

They further discussed enhancing water management strategies and developing cooperative Nile Basin projects to benefit all Southern Nile Basin nations. Abdel Atty underscored that for Egypt, water security is paramount, advocating for adherence to international laws and principles of cooperation, such as consensus, no-harm obligations, and prior notification.

The ministers also reviewed various regional issues affecting East Africa, including the conflicts in Sudan, Somalia, and the Horn of Africa. Abdel Atty reiterated Egypt’s commitment to supporting Somalia’s sovereignty and institutional integrity, advocating for peaceful resolutions to regional conflicts.