Deputy PM Demeke confers with DRC counterpart

Addis Ababa, September 15, 2021 (FBC) – Deputy Prime Minister and and Foreign Affairs Minister Demeke Mekonnen discusses with his DRC counterpart Christophe Lutundula on tripartite negotiations over the GERD. 

The discussion between the two sides focused on the resumption of the tripartite negotiations on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, which has been held under the leadership of the African Union.

On the occasion, Demeke, expressed his appreciation for the positive role played by the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo in the trilateral negotiations on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.

He also affirmed Ethiopia’s determination to continue the tripartite talks as soon as possible.

Demeke further expressed Ethiopia’s strong desire for equitable and reasonable water use, noting that the Nile Basin should be a source of cooperation rather than conflict.

He said the previous trilateral negotiations had yielded tangible results, adding that it would be possible to narrow the differences between the three countries by resuming the negotiation as soon as possible.

Christophe Lutundula, for his part, expressed his delight over the peacefully concluded national elections in Ethiopia.

Regarding the GERD negotiations, he lauded Ethiopia’s commitment to continue participating in the talks.

He said the Democratic Republic of Congo strongly believes in the principle of “African solution to Africa’s problems” which should guide the Renaissance Dam talks that could start shortly.