Ethiopia, Sudan and Egypt conclude GERD negotiation

Addis Ababa, February 1, 2020 (FBC) –Ethiopia, Egypt, and Sudan have concluded the negotiation held on the filling and operation of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).

Foreign and Water Affairs Ministers of the three countries and their delegations consisting of legal and water technical experts took part in the talks.

The four-day negotiation held in Washington D.C. was also attended by the United States Department of Treasury and the World Bank as observers.

The countries have reached a general understanding on the rules and guidelines concerning mitigation measures during drought, prolonged drought, and prolonged periods of dry years.

The outstanding issues will be resolved at subsequent negotiations and documents detailing rules and guidelines on filling and operation will be prepared.

Documents to be signed by the end of February, 2020 will be further deliberated by legal team supported by technical team.

The three countries reaffirmed the importance of transboundary cooperation in the development of the Blue Nile to improve the lives of the people of Ethiopia, Sudan and Egypt.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, the scope of the negotiations is limited to the filling and operation of the dam.

The Government of Ethiopia is committed to maintain the rights of the Ethiopian people to use the waters of the Nile for the benefit of current and future generations, it said.

The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, financed by the people of Ethiopia, is a demonstration of self-reliance and cooperation, the Ministry added.