Saudi Arabia affirms its support for Egypt, Sudan's water security

On Tuesday, Saudi Arabia expressed its full support for Egypt and Sudan's water security, affirming that it is an integral part of Arab security.

 

In a statement, the Kingdom also reiterated its support to all efforts aiming to resolve the dispute over Ethiopia's Nile dam in a way that preserves the interests of all parties. 

The remarks come as Ethiopia threatens to start filling a reservoir on the Blue Nile that many claim will cut vital water supplies to the two countries downstream.

The Saudi Cabinet said during a meeting that the Kingdom stands with Egypt and Sudan to preserve their rights to the Nile and ensure their water security.

Saudi Arabia rejected any measure that would affect the rights of all parties along the Nile waters, stressing the need to resume negotiations to reach a fair agreement that takes into account the interests of everyone concerned.

Egypt is seeking to prevent Ethiopia from starting to fill its massive, newly built hydroelectric dam on the Blue Nile next month without an agreement regulating how the dam will be filled and operated.

Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia have held a series of on-and-off talks for about a decade to end the row over GERD, without making headway so far.

Egyptian officials have repeatedly blamed Addis Ababa for the deadlock in GERD talks.

The Ethiopian dam has triggered wide fears in Egypt, which relies heavily on the Nile to cover the water needs of its population of over 100 million people.