Egypt's foreign and irrigation ministers emphasize cooperation and development in Nile Basin policy
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. They stressed that water security and development are complementary and that transboundary water resources should foster cooperation in accordance with international law. The ministers discussed strengthening relations, advancing development cooperation programs, and expanding Egyptian projects supporting development and water security in Africa. They reviewed Egyptian cooperation projects in Nile Basin countries, including the Julius Nyerere Dam in Tanzania, solar-powered groundwater stations, river ports, and training programs. They highlighted Egypt's development-financing mechanisms, including a $100 million allocation for projects in southern Nile Basin countries. The Egyptian Agency of Partnership for Development and the Egyptian Initiative for the Development of Nile Basin Countries were noted for their roles in capacity building. The ministers reiterated that preserving Egypt's water security does not conflict with the development aspirations of other Nile Basin countries, emphasizing that the Nile is a shared resource to be managed according to international law, particularly the principles of causing no harm and cooperation through prior notificatio
