GERD first year filling achieved: PM office

Addis Ababa, July 22, 2020 (FBC) –The first year filling of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) has been achieved, said office of the Prime Minister.

The remark came after the follow-up extraordinary meeting of the bureau of the AU assembly held virtually yesterday on the on-going negotiations between Ethiopia, Sudan and Egypt with regard to the first filling and annual operation of the dam.

“The current rainfall and runoff situation in the region have made it conducive to fill the dam,” said the office in a statement issued after the meeting convened by South African President and African Union Chair, Cyril Ramaphosa.

The meeting undertaken at the Heads of State and Government levels concluded with all parties reaching a major common understanding which paves the way for a breakthrough agreement, the office indicated.

The three countries agreed for further technical discussions on the filling to continue in the African Union (AU) led process and proceed to a comprehensive agreement.

In the talks, Ethiopia reiterated its commitment to a balanced and win-win negotiation that ascertains the Abay River will benefit all the three countries.

Prime Minister Dr Abiy Ahmed commended the AU-led process for supporting the three countries address differences and reach an agreement.

He appreciated the resolve to African solution to African problems undertaken through existing regional mechanism and reiterated Ethiopia’s commitment to continued equitable and reasonable utilization of Abay River waters without significant harm to Sudan and Egypt.