EU voices support for AU-led tripartite negotiation on GERD

Addis Ababa, October 24, 2020 (FBC) –The European Union (EU) has voiced it support for the AU-led tripartite negotiation between Ethiopia, Sudan and Egypt on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).

“An agreement on the filling of the GERD is within the reach of Ethiopia, Sudan and Egypt. Now is the time for action and not for increasing tensions,” said Josep Borrell, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President.

“The efforts of South Africa, current Chair of the African Union, to bring the parties to a negotiated solution have the full support of the European Union which looks forward to the imminent resumption and successful conclusion of the talks,” he added.

According to the High Representative, over 250 million citizens of the Blue Nile Basin stand to benefit from a predictable agreement based on a negotiated arrangement for the filling of the dam.

They are expecting investments in water security, irrigation, agricultural production and electricity generation, he added.