Fifth Joint Egyptian-Ethiopian Sessions Eyes Strengthening Ties

Egyptian and Ethiopian officials inaugurated early Saturday in Addis Ababa the fifth session of the joint Egyptian-Ethiopian committee in an attempt to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries, according to a statement of the Egyptian foreign ministry.

The meetings in the Ethiopian capital are taking place according to prior agreement between Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn who met in June in Equatorial Guinea during the African Summit and underlined the importance of mutual relations.

Tensions grew between the two countries after Ethiopia decided to go ahead in building the Grand Renaissance Dam despite Egypt’s fears that the construction of the dam would negatively affect Egypt’s share of Nile waters.

About 40 percent of the $4.2 billion dam project is completed.

The meetings in Addis Ababa are scheduled to last for two days. Ministers from both countries are due to meet Monday to discuss political, economic and commercial means to enhance the interests of the two countries.

It has been reported that a number of agreements and memorandums will be signed in this regard.

Representatives from a number of Egyptian ministries are attending the committee session.

Source: Ahram Online