Abou El-Enein: Egypt Will Never Give Up Its Nile Water Rights

Parliament Deputy Speaker MP Mohamed Abou El-Enein, Chairman of the Egyptian-European Cuncil, confirmed on Wednesday that Egypt enjoys many major investment opportunities, especially oil and gas companies, citing the example of Italian Energy Company 'Eni', which invests $30 billion in the Zohr field, as well as green energy projects.

Abou El-Enein directed his speech to the new ambassadors, who submitted their credentials to President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, a few days ago.

In his word, the Parliament Deputy Speaker expressed happiness with all the initiatives proposed by friendly governments to stimulate tourism in Egypt, especially Russia and UK.

Moreover, Abou El-Enein recommended visiting Egyptian cities such as Luxor, where the Rams Road will be opened soon, as well as the forthcoming opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), which is considered one of the largest museums around the world.

The lawmaker also appreciated the efforts made by the former ambassadors to support development in Egypt, in line with Vision 2030, which included every spot in Egypt, as well as everything they did to enhance the relationship with their country.

In addition, Abou El-Enein called on the newly- accredited ambassadors to present their visions of what they could do to advance the means of cooperation between their countries and Egypt, pointing out that the council held many meetings with the European Union (EU) ambassadors, as the EU is considered Egypt’s largest economic partner.

The Chairman of the Egyptian-European council noted that today’s meeting is held to welcome the new ambassadors, as well as to meet old friends, and to discuss the available opportunities and areas of cooperation between Egypt and friendly countries.

Moreover, Abou El-Enein hailed the “Decent Life” presidential initiative, which affirms that President El-Sisi's ambitions are unlimited, as EGP 700 billion were provided to raise the living standards of 50% of the Egyptian people.

The Parliament Deputy Speaker also called on the ambassadors to convey the true picture of the direct investment opportunities in Cairo to the investors in their countries, as well as Egypt being a gateway to Africa and the Middle East.

In addition, Abou El-Enein highlighted that what has been achieved in the New Administrative Capital (NAC), which is 3 times the area of ​​Cairo and is an urban extension for the population that concentrated in only 7% of Egypt but now, they occupy 14% of the country’s area.

He added that the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement is very important and all countries should push forward cooperation to achieve development goals, noting that more than 50 African countries are about to approve the agreement.

Aboul Enein also stressed that many projects and opportunities can be established with Egypt and Africa, including the Cairo-Cape Town road.

Moreover, he affirmed Egypt's rights in the Nile water, noting that Egypt is a "gift of the Nile" and will not ever give up its historic rights.

"The Egyptians have lived on the banks of the Nile for thousands of years and without the Nile, they would not have lived here," Abou El-Enein said, stressing, "There are documented historic rights and international agreements signed and recognized by international bodies."

He added that Egypt's share is 55 billion cubic meters since the population was 17 million, and now the number has become more than 100 million people and Egypt's share is still the same, thus Egypt is suffering water poverty.

In this regard, the Parliament deputy speaker highlighted the state's sincere efforts to address this crisis through desalination, canals coverage, and the use of modern irrigation methods.

Abou El-Enein called on the ambassadors to stay away from rumors, saying: "We are not against development in Ethiopia, and Egypt can transfer its experience in agriculture and industry to Ethiopia so that we can share them in bringing about their renaissance."

He added that the Egyptian government has a clear vision to invest in the infrastructure and superstructure, as well as education and health, stressing that this development will have a positive effect on Africa and Europe.

Abou El-Enein stressed that Sisi is an ambitious president, who is building a modern state whose foundations are democracy and economic renaissance, with a strong political will.

It is worth mentioning that, the meeting was attended by 32 ambassadors.