Ethiopia partakes in Nile Basin Initiative meetings
Addis Ababa, October 18, 2023 (FBC) – Ethiopia participated in the 31st Nile Council of Ministers meeting and the 7th Nile Basin Development Forum (NBDF) both held in Kampala, Uganda.
In its meeting on Sunday, the NBI Council of Ministers urged riparian countries to establish the Nile River Basin Commission.
Ethiopia’s Ambassador to Uganda, Etsegenet Bezabih, delivered a statement on behalf of the Minister of Water and Energy emphasizing the importance of ensuring equitable and reasonable utilization of the Nile as well as investing in transformative water and energy infrastructure projects.
The meeting was followed by the 7th NBDF that takes place every three years. Officially opening the Forum, the Vice President of Uganda, Jessica Alupo, emphasised the need to ensure the entry into force of the Comprehensive Framework Agreement (CFA).
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, in a message conveyed through his Vice President, called on riparian states to work towards strengthening cooperation, protecting the environment, and investing in water infrastructures to meet the needs of the current and future generations.
The official opening of the forum was followed by panel discussions. The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) was among the projects applauded by the participants during the discussions. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the regional significance of Africa’s biggest project and the exemplary dedication Ethiopians have displayed were identified as key lessons to be drawn.