Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Sisi emphasized that the Nile River is the only lifeline for his country, and that the policy of imposing facts on the ground poses a broad threat to the security and stability of the entire region. In a video speech before the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday evening, Sisi stated that Egypt is closely linked to its African reality, which it values greatly and is not only related to its geographic location but is also organically connected to its existence. He noted that achieving cooperation among the countries of the continent will not come from defining one party's requirements by another but should be a mutual process.
Sisi added that Egypt recognizes the developmental rights of its neighbors despite being one of the driest countries and that its people remain below the water poverty line. He affirmed that the Nile River represents the sole lifeline of his country throughout history, which explains the widespread concern among Egyptians regarding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.
Additionally, Sisi pointed out that everyone is aware of the outcomes of the negotiations that have been ongoing for a decade between Egypt, Ethiopia, and Sudan due to known obstinacy and an unjustified refusal to engage positively with the negotiation process at its successive stages, opting for a unilateral approach and a policy of imposing facts on the ground, which threatens the security and stability of the entire region.
To prevent the situation from escalating into a threat to international peace and security, Egypt has turned to the United Nations Security Council to fulfill its responsibilities in this issue and to support and enhance African mediation efforts through the active role of monitors from the United Nations and friendly countries. Sisi also confirmed that Egypt is still committed to reaching a comprehensive, balanced, and legally binding agreement on the filling and operation of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam as soon as possible. He stated that this is crucial for the existence of 150 million Egyptian and Sudanese citizens and to avoid inflicting severe harm on the resources of the two nations' peoples, relying not only on values of fairness and logic but also on a solid international legal framework established for the principle of equitable and reasonable use of shared water resources in international river basins.
On another note, Sisi addressed the Palestinian issue, reiterating that Egypt has repeatedly confirmed that there is no way to stabilize the Middle East without reaching a fair, lasting, and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian issue. He also added that Egypt emphasizes the importance of solidifying the ceasefire reached on May 20, 2021, calling on the international community to take necessary actions to improve the living conditions of the Palestinian people and provide humanitarian assistance. He urged donor parties to support the UNRWA in preparation for the reconstruction process in the Gaza Strip.
