President Sisi Stresses Need to Reach Legal Binding Agreement on GERD

On Monday, Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi said that he had discussed the latest developments over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) file with the Somali president.

Sisi, during a joint press conference with his Somali counterpart Hassan Sheikh Mahmoud at Ittihadiya Palace, said that they have agreed on the danger of unilateral policies when undertaking projects on international rivers, and the need to adhere to prior cooperation and consultation among all riparian countries to ensure that no harm is caused to any of them.

Sisi also called for reaching a binding legal agreement without delay on the filling and operation of the Ethiopian dam based on the Resolution issued by the UN Security Council in September 2021 in order to preserve regional security and stability.

President Sisi added, “We exchanged views on the overall regional situation in the Horn of Africa, and agreed to work together to consolidate security and stability in the African continent.”

“We seek to intensify cooperation and coordination between Egypt and Somalia in relation to the security of the Red Sea, and we reaffirm the responsibility of the riparian countries to formulate all policies related to this vital from an integrated perspective that takes into account the various developmental, economic and security aspects, Sisi noted.

The president stressed Egypt’s commitment to supporting Somali efforts to promote peace and security, eliminate terrorism to achieve development in this country, overcome current challenges, and achieve the aspirations of the Somali people towards a better future conducive to its return to assume its position as an active and influential member in the Horn of Africa region.

In conclusion, Sisi added: “I once again express to you my happiness with your generous visit, and my appreciation for our constructive discussions today, which confirmed our mutual keenness to advance bilateral cooperation between our two countries, to achieve our common interests, wishing you and the people of Somalia more progress and stability.”