Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
In a show of regional solidarity and shared interests, Egypt and Sudan reaffirmed their joint stance against Ethiopia’s unilateral moves on the Blue Nile, underscoring a renewed commitment to cooperation on multiple strategic fronts. The announcement followed a high-level meeting between Egyptian Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly and his Sudanese counterpart Dr. Kamal Al-Tayeb, held at Egypt’s New Administrative Capital.
The talks, described as “extensive and constructive,” marked the Sudanese premier’s first official visit abroad since assuming office, a symbolic gesture that underscored the depth of historical and political ties between the two Nile Basin nations.
During a joint press conference, Prime Minister Madbouly emphasized the importance of collaboration in confronting regional challenges, particularly those posed by Ethiopia’s controversial actions concerning the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). The two leaders expressed a unified rejection of what they termed “Ethiopia’s unilateral approach” to operating the dam on the Blue Nile, a vital lifeline for both downstream countries.
“This behavior does not align with international legal principles nor the spirit of cooperation that must prevail when it comes to a shared resource like the Nile River,” said Madbouly. He added that the two nations will continue to coordinate their positions through the Permanent Joint Technical Committee for Nile Waters, the body established under the 1959 agreement to oversee Nile-related matters. Both countries also emphasized the importance of allowing adequate space for the Nile Basin Initiative’s consultative mechanisms to resolve disputes and foster basin-wide cooperation.
Beyond the Nile issue, the leaders explored broader avenues for bilateral collaboration. Discussions included ambitious infrastructure projects, such as linking the two countries by rail and expanding electricity interconnection grids initiatives expected to boost economic integration and regional trade.
“We discussed activating all joint committees and mechanisms to enhance political, economic, and developmental ties,” Madbouly stated. “We’re working toward the mutual aspirations of our peoples.”
Regional security and strategic interests were also high on the agenda, with the leaders touching on developments in the Red Sea region, which remains critical for both nations’ maritime and economic interests. The shared goal, as outlined by both sides, is to foster a stable and cooperative regional environment.
For his part, Sudanese Prime Minister Kamal Al-Tayeb offered heartfelt thanks to Egypt for its unwavering support during Sudan’s ongoing crisis. He praised Cairo for hosting millions of Sudanese refugees displaced by the conflict at home, saying: “I stand humbly on behalf of the Sudanese people to thank Egypt for opening its doors and treating our people with generosity and dignity.”
Al-Tayeb also noted the alignment between the two governments on key regional and Arab issues, highlighting the role of joint committees in turning this consensus into actionable policies. “There is broad agreement between us on all the topics we addressed today,” he said. “We will activate these understandings through joint coordination and implementation frameworks.”
Prime Minister Madbouly concluded the press briefing by reaffirming Egypt’s unconditional support for Sudan. He noted that President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi had issued clear directives to provide comprehensive assistance to the Sudanese people.
“Our relationship is not merely diplomatic it is a bond between brothers,” Madbouly said. “Egypt aspires to see Sudan recover its stability and preserve its unity and sovereignty. Any threat to Sudan’s security is a red line for Egypt.”
The summit was widely seen as a reaffirmation of long-standing ties, but also as a strategic recalibration in light of evolving regional dynamics. With the challenges facing both countries from water security to economic reconstruction and political stability this latest Egyptian-Sudanese dialogue signals a deeper partnership rooted not just in geography, but in shared destiny.
