Addis Ababa, May 19, 2020 (FBC) –The European Union (EU) said it fully recognizes the strategic importance of the Nile waters and the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) for Ethiopia.
European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Charles Michel expressed their support in a letter sent to Prime Minister Dr Abiy Ahmed.
According to a letter seen by a source at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the EU leaders encouraged all parties to avoid increased polarization and continue engaging with a view to finding a mutually beneficial agreement.
The source, who asked to remain anonymous, told FBC that the leaders had followed closely the tripartite talks on the GERD and regretted that outstanding issues have not yet been resolved.
They described Ethiopia and Egypt as key partners to EU, and added cooperative relationship between the two nations on the basis of mutual trust is essential for the stability of the entire region.
The EU also expressed its commitment to support and share its wealth of expertise on trans-boundary water management as well as to use every opportunity to encourage all parties to continue negotiating and build on the progress achieved so far.
The overall progress of GERD project has now reached 73% and the country plans to begin filling the dam next July.
GERD is under construction in the Benishangul-Gumuz regional state. It is expected to be completed in 2023.
The people and government of Ethiopia are funding the project, which will not only serve Ethiopia, but also Sudan and Egypt as well.