Sisi tells US envoy for Horn of Africa GERD is 'existential issue' for Egypt

CAIRO - 5 May 2021: The disagreement on the Renaissance Dam (GERD) is an “existential issue” for Egypt, which will not accept putting its water interests or capabilities of its people in jeopardy, President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi told the U.S. Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa on Wednesday.

Ambassador Jeffrey Feltman was received by Sisi, Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, Irrigation Minister Mohamed Abdel Aaty, and U.S. Ambassador to Cairo Jonathon Cohen. The ministers and ambassadors later met to deeply discuss the issue in the heaquarters of the Foreign Ministry in Cairo.

The meeting tackled several regional issues in the Horn of Africa with GERD at the forefront. Feltman said the U.S. administration is adamant that this sensitive issue be resolved in a fair and comprehensive settlement, given its enormous importance to Egypt and the region, according to Presidential Spokesperson Bassam Rady.

Sisi congratulated Feltman on his new position, wishing him success in dealing with the issues in the region at a time when the Horn of Africa is witnessing complicated challenges that undermine stability.

Feltman will also visit Eritrea, Ethiopia and Sudan in a mission that lasts from May 4-13.