Egyptian President Sisi Stresses Urgency of Water Resource Preservation Amid Nile Dispute

TDT | Cairo                                             

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Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi declared on Sunday that safeguarding the country's water resources is an “existential issue” critical to the nation’s survival. His comments come amidst ongoing tensions with Ethiopia over the construction of a dam project on the Nile River, which Cairo perceives as a significant threat to its water supply.

At a water-related event in Cairo, President Sisi emphasized that the Nile River is crucial for Egypt, supplying over 98% of its water. He remarked, “Egypt places water at the top of its priorities, with the Nile River being an issue linked to the lives and survival of the Egyptian people.”

Despite years of negotiations, Egypt and Ethiopia have yet to reach a consensus on the filling and operation of the dam, which Addis Ababa argues is vital for its developmental needs. Sisi reiterated the importance of preserving the Nile as a vital resource, calling for sustained political commitment and diplomatic efforts to achieve shared objectives with neighboring countries.

He also highlighted Egypt's initiatives to strengthen bilateral cooperation in water management with several African nations, particularly those within the Nile Basin. Furthermore, President Sisi urged the international community to enhance support for African nations in managing water resources, advocating for increased funding and technology to implement projects aimed at achieving water security, development, and peace across the continent.