Cairo:Egypt and Sudan have jointly declared their total rejection of any unilateral actions in the Eastern Nile Basin, following the third round of 2+2 ministerial consultations.
According to State Information Service Egypt, the two countries emphasized that Ethiopia's unilateral dam actions, which violate international law, pose severe impacts and a continuous threat to the downstream nations. They called for Ethiopia to reverse its unilateral policies and to resume cooperation under international law principles, including prior notification, consultation, consensus, and avoiding harm, to ensure the sustainability of the Nile.
The declaration remains focused on the dam issue strictly between the three Eastern Nile Basin states, rejecting any attempts by Ethiopia to involve other basin nations. It also affirmed strong ties with all Nile peoples and highlighted directives from the Egyptian and Sudanese prime ministers, which led to the convening of the Egyptian and Sudanese ministers in Cairo for the 2+2 consultations.
Reviewing outcomes from previous meetings, both delegation heads emphasized the need to intensify bilateral visits and coordination across political, economic, water, and social fields. They reaffirmed the unbreakable bond between the two nations and pledged joint efforts to restore stability, respecting Sudan's national unity.
Further, Egypt reiterated its alignment with Sudanese state institutions, recalling a December 2025 presidential statement linking Egyptian and Sudanese national security and expressing readiness to support Sudan under international law and mutual defense pacts. Both nations underscored the indivisibility of their water security and pledged to defend their full water rights under the 1959 Agreement.
The countries also highlighted their appreciation for African support for downstream water rights and the central role of the Nile Basin Initiative. They welcomed the December 2025 report aimed at engaging non-signatories of the Cooperative Framework Agreement to restore inclusivity.
The declaration also addressed regional issues, including the governance of the Red Sea, rejecting non-coastal access and regional militarization. It condemned rebel militia attacks against Sudanese infrastructure, reaffirming support for the Sudanese Armed Forces.
Focusing on post-conflict recovery, Sudan expressed gratitude for Egyptian partnership in reconstruction and technical assistance with the Jebel Aulia Dam. Lastly, both nations appreciated regional water bodies, with Egypt hosting the 9th Cairo Water Week in October 2026 and confirming training support for Sudanese irrigation personnel.