Cairo, Kinshasa probe developments on Ethiopia’s dam

KINSHASA – Egyptian Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Mohamed Abdel Aati Friday discussed with Democratic Republic of Congo’s Prime Minister Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde the current status of bilateral cooperation in various fields.

During the meeting in Congolese capital Kinshasa, the minister reviewed the latest developments of the Nile water issue and the current position regarding the Ethiopian dam negotiations.

Abdel Aati asserted Egypt’s keenness to resume talks in order to reach a just and legally binding agreement that does not harm the interests of Egypt to its share of Nile water.

That agreement shall meet the aspirations of all parties for development, he said, emphasising Egypt’s determination to preserve its water rights and achieve the benefits for all parties.

Abdel Aati also pointed out to Egypt and Sudan’s demand for the participation of international parties, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, the United States, the European Union and the United Nations in the negotiating process, since talks have reached an impasse as a result of Ethiopia’s intransigence.

Abdel Aati went on to say that Cairo and Khartoum will not accept a unilateral action with regard to filling and operating the dam.

Lukonde underlined the depth of bilateral co-operation binding Cairo and Kinshasa, offering all support for reaching a legal agreement on the dam satisfactory to all parties concerned.

The Congolese prime minister is looking forward to boosting cooperation between the two countries at all level.

Abdel Aati arrived on Thursday in Kinshasa for the opening of a Flood and Rain Forecasting Centre there.

The visit reflects Egypt’s keenness to achieve the maximum levels of cooperation and coordination between the two countries to attain sustainable development and raise living standards in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Abdel-Ati said.

The forecasting centre is considered one of the projects that was established as a result of a cooperation protocol signed between the two countries for the integrated management of water resources, the minister said.

This project comes as part of Egypt’s Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation policy to transfer knowledge and technology to the Nile Basin countries and provide them with full technical support, Abdel Aati added.