Italy is ready to mediate between Egypt and Ethiopia in the Nile water issue

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Taiani said, in a joint press conference with his Egyptian counterpart Badr Abdel Ati, after a session of discussions in the Egyptian city of El Alamein, on Thursday, that his country stresses the importance of reaching a negotiated solution regarding the Nile waters, stressing the need for this to be done within the framework of respect for international law, declaring Rome’s readiness, if Egypt and Ethiopia wish, to mediate and facilitate dialogue between the two sides.

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He pointed out his country's awareness of the importance of the water issue for Egypt, stressing the necessity of reaching an agreement that allows Egypt to obtain its share of water, within the framework of respect for international law.

He explained that Rome can benefit from its good relations with the Ethiopian side to help resolve the crisis that has been ongoing for years.

This came after the first session of the Egyptian-Italian Joint Committee, where the two sides discussed a number of files and issues of common interest, most notably water, energy, immigration, and economic and trade cooperation.

For his part, the Egyptian Foreign Minister stressed that the water issue represents the first and existential issue for Egypt, because of its direct connection to the lives of more than 110 million Egyptian citizens, stressing the importance of full compliance with the rules of international law, most notably the principle of not harming others, and rejecting any unilateral measures in the Nile water issue.

Abdel Ati stressed that Italy is an important and reliable partner for Egypt in the Mediterranean region, pointing out Cairo’s keenness to advance and strengthen Egyptian-Italian relations in various fields, and to transform the common political will into practical and tangible projects and programmes.