Egypt Daily News – Egyptian Foreign Minister Dr. Badr Abdel-Aty has confirmed that Egypt stands ready to take necessary measures to protect its vital Nile waters, emphasizing the significance of water as a matter of existence for the densely populated nation.
His remarks came during the opening of the seventh Cairo Water Week conference, where he highlighted the importance of international cooperation among Nile Basin countries to ensure the preservation and equitable distribution of water resources.
Abdel-Aty reiterated Egypt’s commitment to the principles of international law while rejecting unilateral actions that could harm the Nile’s water flow.
He expressed a desire to foster dialogue and collaboration, stressing the full development rights of Nile Basin countries as long as they do not adversely affect Egypt’s water supply.
President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, also addressing attendees of the conference, underscored the Nile River’s critical role in the survival of the Egyptian people, accounting for over 98% of the country’s water supply.
He criticized large infrastructure projects that could jeopardize the sustainability of international waterways without thorough studies and prior consultations, alluding to the ongoing tensions surrounding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.
Sisi reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to its African identity, advocating for regional cooperation to achieve Sustainable Development Goals related to water.
He called for global recognition of water as a fundamental human right and emphasized the need to place water at the forefront of international discussions.
The Cairo Water Week, running from October 13 to 17, features a series of events aimed at addressing water management and development challenges, emphasizing the urgency of tackling the growing global water scarcity crisis.
