Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukri delivered a message from President Abdel Fattah El Sisi to Senegalese President Macky Sall that took up the file of the controversial Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) and Egypt’s stance towards the issue given the leading role played by Senegal at the continental level and its presidency of the African Union next year.
The minister also posted president Sall on the results of GERD negotiations that were held in Kinshasa on April 4-5, asserting Egypt’s commitment to the political path to reach a legally binding agreement on the filling and operation of the dam in a way that preserves the water rights and interests of the three countries concerned, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Ahmed Hafez said.
Shoukri stressed Egypt’s hope to work with various countries and parties to solve GERD problem in such a way that would prevent harm to the security and stability of the region, the spokesman added.
Shoukri praised the excellent relations between Egypt and Senegal, especially at the political level and voiced keenness to enhance these relations in various fields, explore new vistas of co-operation and continue coordination at all fora, especially with regard to issues affecting the interests of the African continent.
Following Senegal, FM Shoukri headed to Niger, where he met President Mohamed Bazoum as part of an ongoing tour of some African states.
Shoukri handed President Bazoum a message from President Sisi briefing the Senegalese president on the updates of the GERD issue and the Egyptian stance in this regard and the outcome of the latest round of talks in Kinshasa, Hafez said.
“This comes within the framework of the Egyptian keenness to consult with the sisterly Niger in the light of the special relations binding both countries and Niger’s current non-permanent membership in the Security Council as a representative of the African continent,” the statement read.
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