Sherif El-Gabaly, head of parliament's African Affairs Committee, revealed on Wednesday that Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry is expected to address the committee and respond to questions regarding Egypt's relations with African countries on Thursday.

"The meeting will also tackle the latest developments concerning the negotiations over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD)," said El-Gabaly.

El-Gabaly revealed the meeting will discuss Shoukry's policy statement delivered before parliament in a plenary session on 26 January. "During that session, Minister Shoukri updated the House of Representatives on the GERD dispute," said El-Gabaly, adding that "MPs want to hear about the latest developments from Minister Shoukry."

In his statement before parliament on 26 January, Shoukry said Egypt will not compromise its right in the River Nile's water. He added that Egypt has participated in all GERD talks, but it was faced with Ethiopian "intransigence and obstinacy."

Shoukry stressed that Egypt is keen to reach a fair, balanced, and legally binding agreement on GERD that takes into account the interests of the three countries.

"The agreement will seek to protect the Egyptian and Sudanese peoples from water threats, while also achieving Ethiopia's development plans," said Shoukry.

Shoukry indicated that Egypt wants to boost its relations with African states, particularly Nile Basin countries, on all fronts.