On December 4, 2024, Egypt and Uganda signed a joint declaration to enhance cooperation on the Nile River waters. This agreement includes commitments for regular consultations and support for Uganda’s development projects. Both nations will also collaborate across diverse sectors such as defense, agriculture, and infrastructure, aiming for mutual benefit and respect for international law regarding water management. The next round of consultations is set for early 2025 in Kampala.
On December 4, 2024, Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Badr Abdelatty, and Uganda’s Minister of State for International Affairs, Henry Okello, signed a joint declaration aimed at enhancing cooperation between the two nations, particularly regarding the utilization of Nile River waters. This agreement followed political consultations held in Cairo and encompasses plans for mutual cooperation in various sectors, including water management, agriculture, and infrastructure development. Both countries highlighted the importance of working together to ensure the Nile’s resources benefit both nations while adhering to international standards.
The declaration acknowledges the necessity of regular consultations to develop a mutually beneficial agreement concerning Nile River resources, while Egypt commits to supporting development projects in Uganda. In a recent joint press conference, Minister Okello emphasized Uganda’s position on safeguarding the Nile’s water supply against potential disruptions to downstream nations. This agreement aims to strengthen the historic relations between Egypt and Uganda.
Additionally, significant emphasis was placed on diversifying cooperation beyond water issues, touching on areas such as defense, peacebuilding, and counterterrorism, while also promoting private sector engagement to enhance trade and investment between the two countries. The joint declaration signifies mutual interest in fostering economic collaboration and regional stability, and the two nations plan to convene the next round of consultations in Kampala during the early months of 2025.
The Nile River is a critical water source for several countries in Africa, particularly Egypt and Sudan, which depend heavily on its waters for agriculture and overall sustenance. The recent joint declaration signed between Egypt and Uganda comes against the backdrop of existing tensions regarding water rights and sharing, particularly following the signing of the Entebbe Agreement in 2010 by multiple upstream countries, which many downstream nations view as detrimental to their historic water quotas. This declaration aims to pave the way for enhanced cooperation and mutual understanding amid a complex diplomatic landscape.
In conclusion, the joint declaration between Egypt and Uganda marks a significant step toward resolving historical tensions over Nile water resources through cooperative dialogue and mutual development initiatives. With regular consultations planned and commitments to diversified cooperation across various sectors, this agreement aims to create lasting benefits for both nations while contributing to regional stability and development. The continued emphasis on respecting international legal frameworks will be crucial in fostering trust among Nile Basin countries.
Original Source: www.egypttoday.com
