Collaborating for mutual growth

In the era of globalization and spectrum of common growth, it is unmistakable step to strengthen bilateral/multilateral ties and firm cooperation for shared affluence. Cognizant of the fact that cooperation and unity help make real difference in all aspects, Nile riparian countries have renewed commitment to grow together giving deaf ear to groundless chinwags.

For instance, water ministers from the Nile Basin countries visited the Grand Abbay Dam even though Egypt has strongly recapped objections to the inclusion of a visit to the thematic areas at the ministerial summit. Setting aside its reservations and paying a remarkable visit plainly signifies that all riparian countries are fond of having a well cemented cooperation for common good.

Yes, Ethiopia has long been a strong advocate for regional cooperation and is now even playing its pivotal role in booming contributions along that line. It is quite lucid that the visit that incorporated diverse personalities from Nile Basin countries who partook the Nile Basin Council of Ministers meeting. The composition itself pronounces that the riparian countries are committed enough to form well-coordinated and streamlined basis course.

It is important to note that Ethiopia, an upper riparian country, has contributed 85 percent of the flow to the Nile, has sought firm cooperation based on international law. Here, Egypt, the lower riparian country that contributes no flow to the resource, has to recognize the significance of cooperation and halts its persistent endeavors against cooperation undermining international principles. Plainly, as Ethiopia’s development efforts like the Grand Dam are crucial for alleviating poverty and bringing light to millions of riparian states’ people like many Ethiopians deprived of such basic necessity, cooperation among riparian states is worth noting.

True, since the Dam is bringing integration to the region through energy, trade and connectivity, the combined effort of all riparian zones has to be well consolidated. Besides, Ethiopia’s commitment to continue pursuing its development on the river Abbay on the basis of equitable and reasonable utilization of the resource is a decisive step, indeed! Time to cooperate and find a win-win solution to the problem from which the basin countries in particular and the entire continent in general suffering has to be entertained.

Needless to state, riparian states have well understood the futile attempt and sly move of Egypt and acted otherwise even though the latter has consistently addressed the Grand Abbay Dam issue with restraint.

Ethiopia has all the time underlined untold merits of the regional cooperation the unity of the basin states. Hence its firm commitment regarding this concern has to be well bolstered and all riparian countries have to work hard to well uphold the spirit of unity and protect the basin from unnecessary tensions.

Ethiopia has facilitated conditions to hold decisive consultative processes involving a number of Nile Basin countries aiming at exploring a path forward based on consensus. Unequivocally, such an audacious step would be of paramount importance fostering an all rounded and lucrative move toward nurturing regional cooperation.

In sum, Ethiopia has reaffirmed its commitment to boost the progress of Nile riparian counties. And riparian nations are expected to pave the avenue for a meaningful interaction, and they are expected to continue providing technical and financial support towards the effort geared towards deepening and enhancing cooperation in the Nile River Basin and cooperative investments for win-win outcomes.

Most definitely, the visit articulates the concrete cooperation among/between riparian countries towards promoting regional cooperation as one of the viable avenues is the issue of the Grand Abbay Dam.

The good thing is Ethiopia is committed to the principles of equitable and reasonable utilization of the Nile waters, and it recognizes the river Nile is a trans boundary water resource that must be used by all riparian countries based on the principle of equitable and sound utilization for mutual growth.

THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD TUESDAY 25 FEBRUARY

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