According to Egypt’s Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation, the two ministers also discussed the Nile Basin Initiative, highlighting the importance of preserving its role as the main framework for cooperation among basin countries while addressing the concerns of both Egypt and Sudan.
They emphasized that maintaining the current consultative mechanism is the only way to restore consensus and inclusiveness among all Nile Basin states.
The meeting also reviewed the work of the Egyptian-Sudanese Joint Technical Commission for Nile Waters, which is responsible for studying and shaping the two countries’ common position on Nile issues.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to coordinate through the commission on monitoring river hydrology, managing dam operations, and maintaining gauging and water quality stations, with the goal of making the best use of Nile water and ensuring effective river management.
The talks are part of broader efforts by Egypt and Sudan to enhance cooperation on Nile water matters.
On Wednesday, following a meeting of their foreign and irrigation ministers in Cairo, Egypt and Sudan warned in a joint statement that Ethiopia’s Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) threatens stability in the Eastern Nile Basin and violates international law.
The two countries said the dam “represents a continuing threat to stability in the Eastern Nile Basin under international law,” insisting that Ethiopia’s actions breach legal obligations and pose serious risks to downstream nations.
Construction of the GERD began in 2011, sparking tensions between upstream Ethiopia and downstream Egypt and Sudan.
While both countries say they support Ethiopia’s right to development, Cairo and Khartoum have repeatedly called for a binding agreement on the filling and operation of the dam, warning of potentially severe impacts on Nile flows, which millions depend on.
After more than a decade of failed negotiations, Egypt declared that the GERD talks had collapsed in December 2023, blaming Ethiopia for rejecting proposed frameworks.
Addis Ababa has pressed ahead with unilateral filling in five stages between 2020 and 2024 and now plans to inaugurate the dam in September.
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