Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry (R) holds a press conference with his Algerian counterpart, Ramtane Lamamra in Cairo. Egyptian foreign ministry
Algerian Foreign Minister Ramtane Lamamra said on Saturday that his country is keen that Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia reach “satisfying solutions” to the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) issue that preserves their rights.
His remarks came in a joint press conference with his Egyptian counterpart, Sameh Shoukry, during his visit to Cairo. Lamamra’s tour also included Sudan and Ethiopia.
“We believe that the relations between the three countries are passing through a critical stage,” Lamamra said during the presser, noting that Algeria is keen to form a complete image of the issue.
Lamamra said Algeria is keen that the relations between the three countries “are not defined by these dangers that we are better off avoiding.”
Lamamra called for “satisfying solutions that achieve for each party its rights and duties … so that absolute transparency is reached in this relation.”
He said he was keen during his visits to Sudan, Ethiopia, and Egypt to be briefed on all the information about the issue, adding that he agreed with Shoukry to maintain a dialogue on the crisis.
“Algeria is always keen, whenever the circumstances are available and when the climate is suitable, to be part of the solution to these big and existential issues,” Lamamra said.
The Algerian FM affirmed that the GERD dispute has attracted international attention, including the convening of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) earlier this month.
Earlier on Saturday, Sudan welcomed an Algerian initiative inviting the leaders of the three countries to hold a direct meeting to reach a solution to the GERD dispute.
Egypt did not immediately respond to the Algerian call and FM Shoukry did not comment on the GERD issue during the presser.
Concerning the situation in Tunisia, Shoukry said Egypt is following with great interest the incidents in the Arab country and hopes that the measures currently taken lead to achieving stability and conforms to the people’s will.
Lamamra voiced his country’s full support to Tunisia so that its institutions are put on the right track.
The top Algerian diplomat said the current incidents in Tunisia is an internal affair, expressing full appreciation of Tunisian sovereignty and solidarity with its people.
On Lebanon, Shoukry affirmed that the current developments in Lebanon are a domestic affair, noting that Egypt aims to contribute to helping Lebanon end its current crisis due to its firm relations with the Lebanese people.
The top Egyptian diplomat expressed hope that the Lebanese political leadership can achieve the aspiration of the people, especially amid challenges including the coronavirus pandemic and the economic situation.
Shoukry also expressed hope that the new Lebanese Prime Minister-designate, Najib Mikati, quickly form a government that is able to get the country out of its political and economic crisis.
Shoukry voiced Egypt’s full support to Lebanon so that the Arab country achieves stability, security, and prosperity.
Shoukry and Lamamra spoke about their stance towards the situation in Libya.
The Algerian FM said both Egypt and Algeria have decided to shoulder their solidarity-related responsibilities towards Libya, urging the need for vigilance and support to Libyan legitimacy so that the country can end its crisis.
Lamamra affirmed continuous coordination with Egypt and Libya’s neighbours, voicing keenness to support the positive developments in the country and open new horizons of progress.
Shoukry said Egypt and Algeria have been concerned about the challenges facing Libyan people and are keen that Libyan solutions be reached to restore the stability in the country.
The Egyptian FM said his country is optimistic that Libya will end its crisis and implement its election entitlement on 24 December, as scheduled, so that a government that represents the Libyan people and achieve security and stability is formed.
Shoukry also affirmed the need for the exit of foreign forces from Libya.
Lamamra said he conveyed during his meeting with Shoukry before the presser Algerian President Abdel-Madjid Tebboune’s message to his Egyptian counterpart, President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi.
“It is a message of love, a message of brotherhood, a message of renewing commitment to this special kind of relations between the two countries,” Lamamra said.
Short link: