ADDIS ABABA – The trilateral dialogue among Ethiopia, Sudan and Egypt on the GERD will enhance cooperation among all Nile Riparian States to utilize the shared water resource, said Dr. Sileshi Bekele , Ethiopia’s Minister of Water, Irrigation, and Energy, at the meeting that has been underway since Sunday in Cairo .
According to Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the tripartite meeting of water ministers of Ethiopia, Egypt and Sudan is being held in a view to exchanging ideas on issues regarding the filling of and release of water from the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).
The Cairo’s meeting is the continuation of the tripartite water ministers meeting held in September 2018 and February 2019 in Addis Ababa.
Dr. Sileshi Bekele underscored the efforts of Ethiopia for an engagement based on good faith and a sincere interest for cooperation in the meeting. The Minister emphasized the need to reinforce the existing platforms of cooperation to reach an understanding that serves the equal rights of the three countries.
As to the objectives of the meeting, the Minister outlined the purpose of themeeting to be consideration of the report of the Scientists Group of the three countries in order to set a direction for the way forward. In relation, Dr. Sileshi reiterated the need to follow the existing mechanisms of trilateral cooperation and called for all propositions on outstanding matters to be presented within the framework of these mechanisms.
He stated the water of the Nile as the main water resource of Ethiopia is a matter of survival for the country. Accordingly, Ethiopia will continue to follow a cooperative approach that ensures its right and protects the interest of neighboring populations. Dr. Seileshi further stated the trilateral engagements since the commencement of the construction of the GERD are successful and created an opportunity to bridge differences among the three countries.
Egypt’s Minister of Water and Irrigation Dr. Mohammed Abdel Aty expressed his hope for the engagement concerning the GERD to be an example for other similar cooperation. The Minister stated the discussions on filling and release of water from the dam shall be based on a win-win approach that equally benefits the three countries.
The Minister also stated the need to heed new approaches as the eight years engagement on the GERD is not giving rise meeting to be consideration of the report of the Scientists Group of the three countries in order to set a direction for the way forward. In relation, Dr. Sileshi reiterated the need to follow the existing mechanisms of trilateral cooperation and called for all propositions on outstanding matters to be presented within the framework of these mechanisms.
He stated the water of the Nile as the main water resource of Ethiopia is a matter of survival for the country. Accordingly, Ethiopia will continue to follow a cooperative approach that ensures its right and protects the interest of neighboring populations. Dr. Seileshi further stated the trilateral engagements since the commencement of the construction of the GERD are successful and created an opportunity to bridge differences between the three countries.
Egypt’s Minister of Water and Irrigation Dr. Mohammed Abdel Aty expressed his hope for the engagement concerning the GERD to be an example for other similar cooperation. The Minister stated the discussions on filling and release of water from the dam shall be based on a win-win approach that equally benefits the three countries.
The Minister also stated the need to heed new approaches as the eight years engagement on the GERD is not giving riseto the expected outcomes.
Sudan’s Water and Irrigation Minister Professor Yasir Mohammed Abbas said on his part that his previous engagements on matters related to the Nile and other trans-boundary water resource management will allow him contribute constructively to the trilateral discussion on the GERD.
The Minister also stated, compared to other international cooperation on matters of trans-boundary waters, the trilateral cooperation between Ethiopia, Sudan and Egypt has scored a remarkable achievement in just a short period of time. The Minister expressed his country’s commitment to do its part for the continuation of the effective trilateral dialogue that is based on scientific considerations and serves the interest of the three countries.
The Ethiopian Herald September 17/2019
BY BILAL DERSO
