Foreign Ministers of Egypt, Ethiopia Discuss GERD, Trade and Investment

 Foreign Minister Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu held discussions with his Egyptian counterpart Sameh Shoukry about bilateral issues, including the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.

At a joint press statement they gave today, Foreign Minister Dr. Workneh said the dam will not harm any country. “This dam has no single harm on Egyptians,” he reiterated.

According to the minister, Ethiopia has been working in the spirit of accountability and transparency from the very beginning.

Egyptian Foreign Affairs Minister, Sameh Shoukry said the ministers had lots of meetings to make the technical national committee fully implement the Declaration of Principles for the benefits of the peoples of the three countries, Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan.

He stressed that his country is committed to working with Ethiopia, and Egypt has accepted the continuation of the negotiations.

From Egypt perspective our relationship with Ethiopia is important, the minister said, adding that  “we need to move in all sectors whether in the issues of GERD, economic development, direct investment, or establishment of industrial parks to attract further  investment and capacity building cooperation.”

Shoukry said “we hope to continue the ratification of trade agreement between the two countries. We hope that we can put it into implementation as soon as possible and believe to have very deep and practical relations on development objectives of both countries.”

The two officials have reportedly discussed trade, investment, capacity building cooperation, establishment of industrial parks and other development programs from which both countries can benefit.

The Egyptian Foreign Minister finally said, “We are very much looking forward to the visit of Prime Minister Hailemariam Dessalegn to Cairo, which will be an important visit that we attach to our relationship.”

source ena