On December 4, 2024, Egypt and Uganda signed a joint declaration to improve bilateral cooperation, especially over Nile River water management. Both nations agreed to regular consultations to ensure mutual benefits and support various joint initiatives. The declaration also emphasizes collaboration in sectors such as agriculture, defense, and investment. Egypt reaffirmed its commitment to aiding Ugandan development while underscoring the importance of shared resources.
On December 4, 2024, Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and Uganda’s Minister of State for International Affairs, Henry Okello, formalized a joint declaration aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation, particularly concerning the waters of the Nile River. This agreement was reached during political discussions in Cairo, which featured a high-level Ugandan delegation.
Under the terms of the joint declaration, both nations committed to regular consultations regarding the utilization of Nile waters to ensure mutual benefits and to foster collaborative efforts within the Nile Basin, guided by international law and established best practices. Furthermore, Egypt expressed support for various Ugandan development initiatives, aligning with the country’s national priorities.
The engagement between the two countries underscores their dedication to enhancing mutual interests and collaboration across several sectors, including defense, security, and water management. Both nations aim to cultivate stronger cooperation in agriculture, infrastructure, and trade, alongside increasing investment opportunities for Egyptian enterprises in Uganda.
Additionally, they pledged to pursue joint projects under regional discussions, intending to hold their next round of consultations in Kampala in early 2025. This partnership reflects a commitment to a collaborative approach in managing shared water resources and regional development initiatives.
The agreement between Egypt and Uganda arises during a period of heightened focus on Nile water management among the Nile Basin countries. Egypt has longstanding concerns regarding Egypt’s historical water rights under the 1929 and 1959 agreements, which favored Egypt and Sudan. Thus, the signing of the Entebbe Agreement by several upstream countries in 2010, which threatens these water shares, prompted Egypt to strive for dialogue and cooperative frameworks with its upstream neighbors. This new joint declaration underscores a shift in approach, as both nations seek mutual advantages while managing contentious water issues. The declaration not only highlights the significance of Nile water management but also reflects Egypt’s broader strategy to strengthen regional relations and development prior to future negotiations related to Nile water utilization.
In essence, the joint declaration signed between Egypt and Uganda serves as a critical step toward collaborative dialogue on Nile River management. It signifies a shared commitment to ensuring mutual benefits while fostering bilateral cooperation across diverse sectors, from infrastructure development to peacebuilding. By prioritizing ongoing consultations and cooperative endeavors, Egypt and Uganda aim to navigate the complexities surrounding Nile water resources while addressing each nation’s developmental aspirations. The forthcoming consultations scheduled for early 2025 will further demonstrate each country’s commitment to fostering sustainable partnerships within the region.
Original Source: www.egypttoday.com
