Egypt and Sudan conclude strategic meeting in Cairo

The Foreign Ministers of Egypt and Sudan, along with the heads of intelligence services from both countries, concluded an important meeting in Cairo on Thursday. The agenda included strategic relations and national security.

Egypt’s Sameh Shukri and his Sudanese counterpart Ibrahim Ghandour agreed on the importance of working towards further cooperation in all fields and activating the various committees involving the two countries, including the Joint High Committee for Nile Water, they announced in a joint press conference. The eleven recommendations resulting from the meeting also include the promotion of common interests, taking into account each other’s concerns and having respect for the internal affairs of both countries.

According to Shukri, the third recommendation reaffirms the determination of the governments in Cairo and Khartoum to promote further cooperation in the fields of energy, electricity and air and sea transport. “We also agreed on the importance of developing cooperation and joint coordination between the two countries regarding Nile water as per the signed agreements,” he added.

The ministers also stressed the importance of implementing the outcomes of the Egyptian-Sudanese-Ethiopian tripartite summit on Ethiopia’s Renaissance Dam, held in Addis Ababa on 28 January. It was also pointed out that it is important to address the concerns of all parties and hold constructive consultation and coordination at all political levels to find sustainable solutions and appropriate media coverage in all three countries, but especially Egypt and Sudan.

Read: Nile water crisis places Sudan, Egypt and Ethiopia on the brink of war

Shukri added that the tenth recommendation seeks to strengthen military and security cooperation and to convene the joint military and security committee at the earliest opportunity. The frequency of political and security consultations was also an issue tackled by the meeting. Such consultations will include the foreign ministers and heads of the intelligence services of both countries, so as to enhance coordination on issues of mutual concern and resolve any concerns that may arise between the two countries.

The joint statement concluded by stating that preparations are being made for the joint committee under the chairmanship of the leaders of both countries later this year in Khartoum.