Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Aaty has issued a firm warning that Egypt’s water security is non-negotiable, declaring that no country regardless of its power has the right to infringe upon Egypt’s vital interests in the Nile. His remarks came during a televised interview on Nile News Sunday evening, where he also praised President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi’s role in advancing regional stability and ending the ongoing war in Gaza.
“This leadership wise and far-sighted is what brought us to this pivotal moment, especially in terms of halting the brutal and unjust war on the Palestinian people in Gaza,” Abdel Aaty said, in reference to Egypt’s mediation efforts that have sought to bring an end to weeks of bloodshed.
The foreign minister’s comments come on the eve of the highly anticipated peace summit set to take place in the Egyptian resort city of Sharm El-Sheikh on Monday. The summit, described by Abdel Aaty as “historic and critical,” will convene more than 20 world leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump, alongside Arab, Islamic, Asian, and European leaders. President El-Sisi is set to preside over the event.
“The broad and high-level international presence reflects Egypt’s central role and the extraordinary efforts led by President Sisi to establish Egypt as a cornerstone of security and stability in this turbulent region,” Abdel Aaty noted.
But while Egypt positions itself as a regional anchor for peace and diplomacy, Abdel Aaty stressed that the country remains vigilant about other critical national interests chief among them, water security.
“The challenges we face regarding water are not only serious they are existential,” he said, referencing the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) dispute with Ethiopia. Abdel Aaty reiterated President Sisi’s long-standing position that Egypt will not allow its water rights to be compromised.
“We always extend our hand in peace, dialogue, and consultation as long as international law is respected and the principle of not harming others is upheld,” he added.
The foreign minister’s comments echo those made by President Sisi earlier in the day during the opening session of the 8th Cairo Water Week, where the president issued a stern warning to Ethiopia over its continued unilateral actions on the Nile River.
In a pre-recorded address, President Sisi stated, “Egypt will not stand idle in the face of the irresponsible path Ethiopia has chosen. We categorically reject any unilateral measures that violate international norms and agreements regarding the Nile.”
President Sisi stressed that while Egypt has consistently pursued diplomacy appealing to international organizations, including the United Nations this approach should not be mistaken for weakness. “Our choice of diplomacy has never been out of weakness or retreat,” he said. “Rather, it reflects the strength of our position, the maturity of our vision, and a deep belief that dialogue is the best path, and cooperation the most effective route to ensure the interests of all Nile Basin countries without endangering any of them.”
Cairo has long accused Addis Ababa of ignoring its concerns regarding the GERD project, which Egypt fears will significantly reduce its share of Nile waters, threatening agriculture, industry, and access to drinking water for millions.
With tensions over the Nile continuing to simmer, and regional dynamics evolving rapidly amid the Gaza war, Egypt is seeking to reinforce its image as both a peacemaker and a sovereign nation determined to protect its vital interests.
As diplomatic leaders gather in Sharm El-Sheikh to chart a new course for peace in Gaza and the broader Middle East, Egypt’s dual message is clear: it is a willing partner in dialogue, but one that will defend its red lines especially when it comes to water security.
