Cairo: Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Egyptians Abroad Badr Abdelatty and Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Hani Sewilam affirmed on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, that Egypt's foreign policy toward Nile Basin countries is based on cooperation, development, shared interests and mutual benefit. The ministers emphasized the importance of water security and development as complementary objectives, asserting that transboundary water resources should encourage cooperation and integration among nations, in line with international law. Their remarks were made during a meeting as part of ongoing coordination efforts between the two ministries.
According to State Information Service Egypt, the meeting focused on strengthening Egypt's relations with Nile Basin countries, enhancing development cooperation programs, and expanding Egyptian projects aimed at supporting development and water security in Africa. The ministers also discussed coordinating Egypt's actions and positions on water-related issues at both regional and international levels.
The review of Egyptian cooperation projects highlighted efforts in the Nile Basin countries, with particular emphasis on dam projects, such as the Julius Nyerere Dam project in Tanzania. Other projects under review included solar-powered groundwater stations, river ports, underground water reservoirs, and a rainfall forecasting center. Additionally, training and capacity-building programs were discussed to further support these initiatives.
The ministers emphasized the development of Egyptian development-financing mechanisms in the Nile Basin, including a financing mechanism launched with an initial allocation of $100 million for project studies and implementation, aligning with the priorities of southern Nile Basin countries.
They also acknowledged the role of the Egyptian Agency of Partnership for Development and the Egyptian Initiative for the Development of Nile Basin Countries in building capacity, developing skills, and implementing bilateral memoranda of understanding between Egypt and other Nile Basin nations. These efforts aim to translate cooperation into practical projects that yield direct development impacts for partner countries, aligning with Africa's Agenda 2063 and the Africa Water Vision 2063.
The ministers reiterated that preserving Egypt's water security does not oppose the development goals of other Nile Basin countries. They stressed the importance of managing the Nile as a shared water resource in accordance with international law, particularly upholding the principles of causing no harm and ensuring cooperation through prior notification, consultation, and agreement.
Egypt firmly rejects unilateral measures in the Eastern Nile Basin that violate international law, and the ministers affirmed that Egypt will take all necessary actions under international law to protect its rights and the vital interests of its people.
Egypt continues its active role in preparations for significant conferences, including co-chairing with Japan the third interactive dialogue, "Water for the Planet," and working on developing practical initiatives. The ministers also welcomed Egypt's selection to host the 18th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD COP18) in 2028.
They concluded by agreeing to continue coordinating with relevant national bodies to advance an integrated vision linking efforts to combat drought and desertification with water and food security, particularly in African countries.