The seventh and final trilateral technical discussion between the water affairs’ ministers of Ethiopia, Egypt and Sudan on the filling and operation of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) commences yesterday in Addis Ababa.
Speaking at the opening session, Dr. Sileshi Bekele, Minister of Water, Irrigation and Energy of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, reiterated that the use of Nile is critical to eradicate poverty hence a matter of survival for Ethiopia.
He expressed his hope that the meeting would conduct thorough discussion on the pending technical issues of the filling and operation of the GERD on the basis of the cardinal principle of equitable and reasonable use and causing no significant harm, said Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Sileshi further noted that the discussions will be conducted on the spirit of cooperation and goodwill to conclude the process and bring good news to the people of the three countries.
The water affairs ministers of Egypt and the Sudan on their part expressed their hope that the discussion will be held in a cooperative manner and reach a common consensus, Foreign Affairs Ministry of Ethiopia said.
The representatives of government of the USA and the World Bank are attending the meeting as observers.
The Ethiopian Herald January 9/2020
BY STAFF REPORTER
