Sudanese Minister of Irrigation, Yassir Abbas, met on Tuesday, with the US congressional delegation currently visiting the country, headed by member of the Foreign Relations Committee, Senator Christopher Coons, along with Senator Chris Van Hollen.
Khartoum: Altaghyeer
The meeting, which was limited to discussing the issue of the Renaissance Dam, was attended by Sudan’s negotiating team for the Renaissance Dam.
According to Sudan News Agency (SUNA), the minister comprehensively presented Sudan’s positions and options on what he described as a major issue affecting the national security of his country, its economy, and the lives of its citizens.
The minister assured the American delegation that the damcould become a nucleus for a more comprehensive regional cooperation for the mutual benefit and prosperity of all countries and peoples of the region.
However, he stipulated that there should be cooperation between the three countries in filling and operating the dam according toa binding agreement, pointing out that the agreement needspolitical will to reach and implement it.
Prof. Abbas said that Sudan is determined to continue negotiations under the auspices of the African Union, but with the active participation and mediation of international partners to help the three parties reach the agreement, and to become witnesses and guarantors of its implementation.
An American understanding of Sudan’s Position
The American side expressed its understanding of Sudan’s position, which has always adhered to international law, and is in harmony with the norms of international relations.
The American delegation also affirmed that the US is ready to play an active role in this issue and contribute to urging and encouraging all parties to reach an agreement that addresses the interests and concerns of all.
The delegation indicated that this will commence with the tour of the US Special Envoy to the Horn of Africa, Jeffrey Feltman, which will take him to Sudan, Egypt, Ethiopia and Eritrea.
Feltman’s tour in the region will last for about ten days, beginning with a visit to Cairo on Tuesday.
While Addis Ababa had announced that it will proceed with the second filling of the Renaissance Dam, next July, Khartoum and Cairo adhered to reaching a binding legal agreement, before any Ethiopian move.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Maryam Al-Sadiq Al-Mahdi, traveled to four African capitals to explain Sudan’s position and vision regarding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.
On the other hand, Senator Coons indicated that the US is ready to provide aid to Sudan, in cooperation with American companies and research institutions, to develop Sudanese water resources and raise productivity of agricultural crops.
