Sisi meets with Ethiopian foreign minister in Cairo

CAIRO – 19 April 2017: Egyptian President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi received Ethiopian Foreign Minister Workneh Gebeyehu at the Presidential Palace Wednesday, where they discussed enhancing bilateral relations between the two countries and the situation of Ethiopia’s Grand Renaissance Dam.

According to a presidential statement, Gebeyehu praised the progress of the relations between Egypt and Ethiopia during the past three years, affirming his country’s commitment to achieve the common interests of both countries.

Sisi affirmed Egypt’s interest in developing its relation with Ethiopia in all fields, and expressed his anticipation for the upcoming summit that will take place in Cairo soon, in the presence of the Ethiopian Prime Minister, Presidential Spokesperson Alaa Youssef stated.

Sisi further stressed the importance of reaching a consensus concerning the Ethiopian Dam. The president said that it is important for the two countries to cooperate in order to use common water resources of the Nile in the best way possible and in a way that achieves the development of all countries.

The meeting also tackled a number of African issues of common interest. Both parties agreed on the importance of enhancing collaboration between their countries, whether within the framework of the Arab League or their current membership in the UN Security Council.

In a joint press conference between Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukri and his Ethiopian counterpart, Shoukry stated that “Egypt's goal in reaching out to Ethiopia and the Nile Basin countries is to strengthen the relationship and explore mechanisms of cooperation by holding joint committees.”

Gebeyehu stressed that his country will not work against the interests of the Egyptian people, adding that the two countries share a common destiny.

Tension has escalated recently between Egypt and Ethiopia over the construction of Ethiopia’s Grand Renaissance Dam, a project Cairo believes will negatively affect its share of Nile River waters.

After witnessing a wave of violent protests in 2016, Ethiopia accused Egypt of supporting the opposition movement behind the protests that broke out in different parts of the country, leading the Ethiopian government to declare a state of emergency. The Egyptian president denied the Ethiopian accusations.