Italy offers to mediate between Egypt and Ethiopia over Nile waters

Italy has offered to help facilitate dialogue between Egypt and Ethiopia over Nile waters, stressing the importance of reaching a fair and sustainable negotiated solution to the water dispute in line with international law.

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani made the remarks at a joint press conference with his Egyptian counterpart Badr Abdelatty after talks in the Egyptian city of El Alamein on Thursday.

Tajani said Italy stressed the importance of reaching a negotiated solution over Nile waters, emphasising that this must be done in accordance with international law. He said Rome was ready, if Egypt and Ethiopia wished, to mediate and help facilitate dialogue between the two sides.

He said Italy understands the importance of the water issue to Egypt and stressed the need for an agreement that would allow Egypt to secure its share of the water in accordance with international law.

Tajani added that Rome could use its good relations with Ethiopia to help resolve the crisis, which has continued for years.

The talks followed the first meeting of the Egyptian-Italian Joint Committee, during which the two sides discussed several issues of mutual interest, including water, energy, migration, and economic and trade cooperation.

Abdelatty said the water issue was Egypt’s top priority and an existential matter, given its direct impact on the lives of more than 110 million Egyptians. He stressed the importance of fully complying with international law, particularly the principle of causing no harm to others, and rejecting any unilateral measures concerning Nile waters.