Egypt's suspension of negotiations on Renaissance Dam due to Ethiopia's intransigence: FM

CAIRO – 3 March 2024: Minister of Foreign Affairs Sameh Shokry criticized Ethiopia's intransigence and neglect to the principle of good neighboring, which has pushed Egypt to suspend negotiations aimed at reaching a legally binding agreement on the filling and operation of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).

Shokry's made the statements Sunday in the second Egypt-GCC Consultative Meeting held in Riyadh as he updated his counterparts on the dispute pertinent to the dam.

The minister stressed in his speech that the political, economic, and social interests of Egypt and GCC countries are intertwined, and that continuous consultations are key to push forward partnerships and cooperation programmes.

Minister Shokry also tackled the critical crisis the region is enduring due to the Gaza War. He warned of the disastrous consequences of the intended Israeli ground operation in Palestinian Rafah on regional security.

The discussions also included threats to navigation in the Red Sea, and the conflicts in Libya, Sudan, Syria, and Somalia.