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Egypt’s Prime Minister Mustafa Madbouly and Sudan’s Prime Minister Kamel Idris met in Cairo to enhance bilateral relations and discuss regional issues. They emphasized support for Sudan’s unity and territorial integrity while addressing Nile water security, advocating for cooperation between the two nations.
Africa-Press. Egypt’s Prime Minister Mustafa Madbouly met with Sudan’s Prime Minister Kamel Idris in Cairo to enhance bilateral relations and discuss regional issues of mutual interest.
The two sides also addressed the developments in Sudan, where Egypt reaffirmed its full support for the unity of Sudan and the integrity of its territory and national institutions. They emphasized their steadfast support for the legitimate Sudanese state institutions, including the Transitional Sovereignty Council led by Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the government, and the armed forces.
Additionally, they discussed the Nile River file, agreeing on the necessity of protecting the water security of both Egypt and Sudan as Nile basin countries. They committed to working together to preserve the full rights and uses of both countries’ water resources in accordance with the 1959 agreement and international law. They also agreed on the need for complete coordination and alignment of their positions in various regional and international forums concerned with Nile River issues.
The officials stressed the inseparable link between Sudanese and Egyptian water security, firmly rejecting any unilateral actions or movements in the Eastern Nile Basin that could harm the water interests of the downstream countries or threaten their water security. They asserted that such actions, which violate international law, are a constant source of instability in the region.
They called on Ethiopia to abandon its unilateral approach and adhere to the rules of international law governing the use of shared rivers, particularly the principles of prior notification, consultation, non-harm, and consensus, to ensure the sustainability of this great river, which should be a source of cooperation and prosperity for all.
They also affirmed their continued joint efforts to work with Nile Basin countries to restore consensus within the “Nile Basin Initiative” as part of the ongoing consultative process with non-signatory countries to the “framework agreement.” In this context, the two countries welcomed the progress made in completing consultations to reach solutions, expressing their rejection of any unilateral attempts to obstruct the consultative process against the shared desire of all Nile Basin countries for cooperation and mutual benefit.
Egypt and Sudan share a long history of collaboration, particularly concerning the Nile River, which is vital for both countries’ water security. The 1959 agreement established guidelines for the equitable use of Nile waters, but tensions have arisen in recent years, particularly with Ethiopia’s unilateral actions regarding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. This meeting reflects ongoing efforts to maintain stability and cooperation in the region.
