Egypt Daily News – Ambassador Dr. Badr Abdel Aty, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration of Egypt, has emphasized Egypt’s strong commitment to defending its water security and national interests in relation to the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).
He asserted that Egypt has the capability to protect its rights and will take necessary action to safeguard the interests of its population, which exceeds 110 million people.
Dr. Aty highlighted that Egypt views water as an existential issue, crucial to its survival, as the Nile River is the sole source of water for the country. He stressed that Egypt’s water rights cannot be compromised or negotiated away, stating, “we cannot put the interests of this great nation at the mercy of the whims of one party or another.”
Dr. Aty pointed out that the Nile is an international river, and therefore, the principles of international law apply. He referred to the river’s waters as a shared natural resource, underscoring that they are not merely a gift but rather a blessing that requires cooperation among the Nile basin countries.
Regarding the stalled negotiations with Ethiopia, which have been ongoing for 13 years without a conclusive outcome, Dr. Aty criticized Ethiopia for evasion and bad faith in discussions.
He called for a legally binding agreement that governs the operation of the GERD, emphasizing the importance of not causing harm to downstream countries and requiring prior notification of any projects affecting the Nile.
The minister’s statements underline Egypt’s serious stance on protecting its vital water resources amid ongoing regional tensions over the dam using all legal measures.
