New Zealand says trilateral negotiation on GERD will yield results

Addis Ababa, November 12, 2021 (FBC) – Ambassador of New Zealand to Ethiopia and the African Union, Michael Apton stated that the ongoing trilateral talks on GERD be fruitful in bringing intended results.

During his conversation with the Minister of Water and Enrgy, Habtamu Itefa (PhD), the Ambassador said: “We believe that the negotiations between the three countries through the African Union regarding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) will yield results and we support that”

Ambassaddor Michael Apton also announced that his country plans to provide financial support to the African Union to achieve the goal of zero carbon emissions in the future, adding that Ethiopia is one of the countries.

Habtamu told the Ambassador more than 4 billion seedlings have been planted in the past two years under the leadership of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.

This move will help to ensure the safety of water bodies in the country, including the Nile River, he explained, adding the GERD has many benefits to Sudan and Egypt.

The two further agreed to work together on renewable energy development, Water and Sanitation and discussed issues related to drought, environmental protection, and climate change.