Addis Ababa:Ethiopian Water and Energy Minister's Advisor, Mohammed Al-Arousi, underscored Ethiopia's refusal to accept any interference in its sovereign decisions or restrictions on its right to development.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, Mohammed strongly condemned recent remarks by Egypt's Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation regarding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). He clarified that Ethiopia does not view the dam construction as confrontational towards the Egyptian people.
The Advisor, also a member of the House of People's Representatives, urged Egypt to focus on its domestic challenges and promote cooperation among Nile Basin countries. He mentioned that Ethiopia plans to construct three additional dams as part of its ongoing development agenda despite external objections.
Mohammed emphasized Ethiopia's right to utilize its natural resources without requiring permission from other countries. He stressed that dam construction is central to Ethiopia's plans to expand electricity access and improve living standards.
He categorically rejected Egyptian statements as interference in Ethiopia's internal affairs, affirming the country's sovereignty. The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam aims to generate electricity and support Ethiopia's economic and social development rather than target Egypt.
Mohammed highlighted the importance of cooperative mechanisms among Nile Basin countries and criticized Egyptian statements as provocative. He advocated for dialogue and rapprochement, suggesting that Ethiopia's focus remains on practical development projects rather than political disputes.
Finally, Mohammed reaffirmed that Ethiopia's development path, including dam and energy projects, will continue unabated, emphasizing cooperation as essential for addressing shared challenges among Nile Basin countries.
