Ethiopia and Egypt hold talks during UN General assembly
Ethiopian foreign minister Dr Tedros Adhanom held talks with his ministerial colleague from Egypt during the 68th General Assembly in New York.
Dr. Tedros met his Egyptian counterpart, Nabil Fahmi, last Thursday, and the two discussed various issues of mutual interest including the utilization of the waters of the River Nile. He stated that Ethiopia was interested in building trust with Egypt and other River Nile, riparian states since their fates were linked and they had no choice but to cooperation.
Dr Tedros further underlined the importance of overcoming the mistrust that has underlines relations between Ethiopia and Egypt over the last two years.
Fahmi on the other hand said that his country was updating its foreign policy so as to ensure that it promotes a win-win approach with its neighbours including Ethiopia. He said his government was willing to work closely with Ethiopia for the benefit of the citizens of both countries.
Fahmi also stated that his country was open to restarting discussions on the recommendations of the International Panel of Experts on the Grand Renaissance Dam. The panel had been mandated to assess how the Dam was going to affect downstream countries. He said that his currently views water security to be of great importance since his country fully depends on the Nile River. Ethiopia however has a right to utilize its resources without infringing on the Egypt’s water rights, he added.
He also requested the support of Ethiopia in its bid to have its suspension from the African Union Peace and Security Council lifted .
Dr. Tedros also met and held talks with foreign ministers from Philippines, Morocco and the Czech Republic.