Ethiopia, Algeria Keen to Boost Cooperation in Water Resources

Addis Ababa, April 28, 2021 (Walta) – Ambassador Nebiat Getachew, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to Algeria, met Prof. Mihoubi Mustapha Kamel, Minister of Water Resources of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria, and discussed ways and means of further enhancing cooperation between the two friendly countries in the field of water resources.

Ambassador Nebiat briefed the Minister on the construction and negotiation process of the Ethiopian Grand Renaissance Dam (GERD).

He expressed Ethiopia’s unwavering commitment to dialogue with the downstream countries with a view to addressing their concerns and achieving a mutually beneficial outcome.

He also noted Ethiopia’s conviction that the ongoing AU-led process will contribute to the realization of this objective in the spirit of finding African solutions to African problems.

Minister Kamel appreciated Ethiopia’s right to develop its natural resources and its commitment to finding solutions through African mechanisms.

In their discussion, they both agreed to work together on management and protection capacities of their water resources and facilitate contacts partnerships, and cooperation between respective agencies in charge of water resources.

Minister Kamel reiterated Algeria’s commitment to share its experience in training and capacity-building initiatives that could be of benefit to Ethiopia’s aspiration to develop its natural resources.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, Ethiopia and Algeria have signed a Memorandum of Understanding on 13 April 2017 in the field of water resources development.