FM on GERD: Current Negotiations Are ‘Last Chance’ to Reach Binding Agreement

Foreign Minister (FM) Sameh Shoukry and Mohamed Abdel-Aty, Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation are taking part in the meetings, being held in Kinshasa, on Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).

The meetings were called by Félix Tshisekedi, President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the current Chairperson of the African Union (AU).

The two-day talks discuss the relaunch of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) negotiations, which have been stalled for several months, in order to reach a fair, balanced, and legally binding deal on the GERD's filling and operation, in a manner that achieves the common interests of Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia.

During the meeting, Shoukry affirmed that Egypt has been engaged in negotiations on GERD for almost a decade with sincere political will in order to reach an agreement that would achieve Ethiopia's development goals and at the same time preserve the rights and interests of the two downstream countries.

"Kinshasa-based talks should lead to the launch of a new round of effective and serious negotiations, attended by our international partners, to ensure their success," FM added.

Moreover, he pointed out that these negotiations are considered the 'last chance', that must be seized by the three countries to reach an agreement before the next flood season.

"If all parties have the political will and good intentions, then we will be able to reach the desired agreement," FM stressed.

Sunday’s meeting brought together the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, and Water Resources, of Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia.