Minister: Ethiopia's Unilateral Measures over GERD will Result in Serious Repercussions

Minister of Irrigation and Water Resources Mohamed Abdel-Aty met on Sunday US Special Envoy to Sudan Ambassador Donald Booth.

They discussed the latest developments regarding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) crisis and the ongoing efforts to re-launch talks in order to reach an agreement on the filling and operation of the dam.

During the meeting, Abdel-Aty reviewed the history of the negotiations during the past years, affirming Egypt's clear desire to complete the negotiations while adhering to its own principles in preserving its water rights.

Moreover, the minister stressed Egypt's support to Sudanese proposal, calling for the formation of an international quartet led by the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with the participation of the United States (US), the European Union (EU), and the United Nations (UN) to mediate in GERD talks.

In addition, Abdel-Aty underlined the necessity of launching ‘serious and effective’ negotiations to maximize chances of success, adding that Ethiopia's unilateral measures over GERD would result in serious negative repercussions.

Moreover, he said that Egypt supports development in all Nile Basin countries, pointing out to Egypt's endeavor to achieve the benefit of all through reaching a fair and legally-binding deal.