Cairo: Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Hani Sweilam conferred on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, with Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egypt Expatriates Badr Abdelatty to coordinate efforts on water-related issues at both regional and international levels. The meeting also addressed ways to continue strengthening Egypt's historical ties and cooperation with the Nile Basin countries and reviewed the latest developments in the Nile Basin Initiative (NBI) consultations aimed at restoring consensus and inclusivity among the basin countries.

According to State Information Service Egypt, during the meeting, the two ministers asserted Egypt's steadfast commitment to cooperation and achieving mutual benefits with all Nile Basin countries. They emphasized the importance of securing the developmental interests of these nations and safeguarding Egypt's water security, all in adherence to international law and the governing frameworks of the Nile River.

The ministers also reiterated Egypt's rejection of unilateral actions that violate international law in the Eastern Nile Basin. They mentioned that Egypt continues to closely monitor developments in the region and will take all necessary measures under international law to protect the existential interests of its people.

Meantime, the ministers pledged to continue close consultation and coordination between the Ministries of Water Resources and Irrigation and Foreign Affairs to ensure the achievement of national objectives and the protection of Egypt's water security. They also agreed to follow up on the implementation of ongoing and future projects in Nile Basin countries.

Both ministers highlighted Egypt's long-standing and continued support for development efforts in the Nile Basin countries, particularly in the Southern Nile Basin. They also shed light on the significant role played by the "Egyptian Agency for Partnership for Development" and the "Egyptian Initiative for the Development of Nile Basin Countries" in enhancing cooperation between Egypt and the Nile Basin countries.

The ongoing collaboration aims to achieve mutual benefits, preserve water resources, and maximize their use, mainly in successful joint projects and training programs carried out in Sudan, South Sudan, Kenya, Congo, Uganda, and Tanzania.