Egypt’s FM, South Sudan’s Minister of Trade discuss issues of water security

CAIRO – 11 January 2025: Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty received Minister of Trade and Industry of South Sudan and former South Sudanese Ambassador to Egypt Joseph Mum Majak to bid him farewell as he concluded his diplomatic tenure in Egypt. Both discussed Egypt’s water security.

Minister Abdelatty congratulated Majak on his new role, expressing appreciation for the longstanding and historic ties between Egypt and South Sudan. 

Abdelatty highlighted that Egypt was the second country to recognize the Republic of South Sudan following its independence in 2011. The Minister underscored Egypt's ongoing commitment to supporting South Sudan in achieving peace, stability, and development, noting Egypt's active involvement in projects related to irrigation, water resources, and electricity as part of efforts to advance mutual interests.

Minister Abdelatty further emphasized the importance of Egypt's water security, reiterating Egypt's firm stance against unilateral actions concerning shared water resources. He stressed the need for adherence to international legal frameworks and the importance of consensus among Nile Basin countries to resolve issues related to water use.

Egypt and Sudan have urged Ethiopia repeatedly to sign a legally-binding agreement on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), which would protect their water rights and people’s interests.

The two downstream countries have warned against unilateral practices with regard to GERD. However, Ethiopia has continued to fill and operate the dam despite objections of Egypt and Sudan.