Trump raises Nile dispute in talks with Egypt
Evian (France), June 17 (IANS) US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that he is helping Egypt with a dispute over a major dam project in Ethiopia, signalling renewed American interest in one of Africa’s most sensitive water-sharing conflicts.
Speaking at the start of a bilateral meeting with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi on the sidelines of the G7 summit in France, Trump said the two leaders would discuss trade as well as the future of the Nile River.
Trump opened the meeting by saying he was helping the Egyptian President “with a little dam project”.
He added that the two leaders would discuss trade and the Nile “because the Nile is getting a little emptier than it should be”.
Trump said a dam built in Ethiopia was “causing more problems than it should be”.
The remarks appeared to refer to the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, a massive hydroelectric project on the Blue Nile that has long been a source of tension between Ethiopia, Egypt and Sudan.
El-Sisi focused on regional diplomacy and praised Trump for what he described as a breakthrough in efforts to reduce tensions with Iran.
“Big congratulations for the breakthrough you’ve reached Mr. President restoring peace,” el-Sisi said through an interpreter.
“Once the deal was announced, there has been great appreciation and the admiration has increased,” he added.
The Egyptian President also complimented Trump’s handling of the crisis.
He said that Trump had shown “marvelous management” and noted the attention he received from other leaders during a summit dinner.
“I observed during the dinner last night that you were surrounded, Mr. President, by all the world leaders. They didn’t leave you for a moment to enjoy your dinner,” el-Sisi said.
Trump responded by highlighting financial markets.
“Most people seem to be really happy and who’s really happy is the market,” he said.
While Egypt asserts that upstream development on the Nile must not threaten its water security, Ethiopia maintains that the dam is essential for meeting its development and electricity needs.
The dispute has remained unresolved despite years of negotiations involving African governments, international mediators and outside powers.
–IANS
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