El-Sisi urges mutual benefit and no harm among Nile Basin states

CAIRO – June 10, 2026: President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi on Wednesday urged adherence to international law and good neighborliness among Nile Basin states as he met with DR Congo President Felix Tshisekedi in Cairo.

The two leaders discussed cooperation among Nile Basin countries, the Egyptian Presidency said in a statement. Discussions highlighted the need to respect international law governing transboundary international rivers.

El-Sisi said he wishes to take the occasion to convey a “sincere message to the peoples of all Nile Basin countries.”

“All Egypt seeks is adherence to the principles of international law and good neighborliness, the achievement of mutual benefit for all Nile Basin peoples, the avoidance of harm to any party, and joint efforts to maximize the benefits and ensure the sustainable management of our river’s resources, the source of life for us all.”

El-Sisi said he and Tshisekedi agreed on the need to continue the positive efforts within the Nile Basin Initiative’s ongoing consultative process to restore consensus and inclusivity among Nile Basin countries.

Such consensus would help advance mutual benefit and shared interests without harming any party, El-Sisi added.

Tshisekedi, for his part, praised Egypt’s consensus-oriented approach and its support for the development aspirations of Nile Basin countries.

He stressed DR Congo’s commitment to strengthening coordination with Egypt on the issue.

Meanwhile, El-Sisi commended DR Congo’s wise and responsible positions on Nile water issues.

He said these positions are “grounded in adherence to international law and the rejection of unilateral measures” among Nile River partners.

El-Sisi added that the two sides had emphasized the importance of acting in good faith and fostering a spirit of understanding and consensus across the Nile Basin.