Egypt, Ethiopia to discuss outstanding dam differences: PM

CAIRO – 18 November 2018: Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly said Egypt would hold talks with Ethiopa over the next two weeks to resolve the outstanding differences regarding the Grand Renaissance Dam.

Madbouly met with his Ethiopian counterpart, Abiy Ahmed, on Sunday as they agreed to initiate bilateral talks to settle the pending points.

(L to R) - Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly shaking hands with Ethiopian counterpart Abiy Ahmed on the sidelines of the 11th Extraordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union (AU) on Nov. 18, 2018 – Egypt Today/Solieman Al-Otaifi

Madbouli said in statements during the 11^th Extraordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union (AU) that Egypt supports the process to reform the organizational structure of the AU.

He also affirmed that Egypt plays a major role in the restructuring of the AU Development Agency.

FILE PHOTO: A cloud of dust rises from a dynamite blast, as part of construction work at Ethiopia's Grand Renaissance Dam, March 31, 2015. REUTER/Tiksa Negeri/File Photo

“A joint fund should also be established by Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan after governors of their central banks probe the issue,” Madbouli added.

The two countries and Sudan have held a series of meetings over the $4 billion hydroelectric Grand Renaissance Dam, but have yet to reach a deal on managing flows and other issues.

FILE PHOTO: Construction workers erect rebars at a section of Ethiopia's Grand Renaissance Dam, March 31, 2015. REUTER/Tiksa Negeri/File Photo

The dam was scheduled to be finished by 2020, but Ahmed said in August that it would be delayed for several more years.

Egypt has voiced concerns that the scheme may restrict the waters coming down down from Ethiopia's highlands, through the deserts of Sudan, to its fields and reservoirs. Ethiopia, on the other hand, says it will have no such impact.

Ahmed also said he is personally keen on maintaining Nile rights of Egypt and all African countries along the river.