Davos: US President Donald J. Trump expressed dissatisfaction with the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) during a meeting with Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi at the World Economic Forum in Davos. The dam, constructed on the Blue Nile, has been a point of contention between Egypt and Ethiopia.
According to Kuwait News Agency, President Trump pledged to restart US mediation efforts in the dispute, describing the dam as "massive and dangerous." He highlighted concerns over water distribution, stating, "Somebody's not getting the water that they are supposed to get," and committed to facilitating discussions between the two countries to reach a resolution. President Trump also praised the US-Egyptian relationship, noting its success and describing President Al-Sisi as a leader who fosters peace in the Middle East.
President Al-Sisi expressed gratitude for President Trump's involvement, emphasizing the importance of the Nile's waters for Egypt. He suggested that US mediation could pave the way for a breakthrough and reiterated Egypt's desire to establish cooperative mechanisms among Nile Basin countries in line with international law. Al-Sisi also lauded President Trump's achievements, particularly in the Gaza conflict, and urged continued US engagement in Middle Eastern peace efforts.
Additionally, President Al-Sisi conveyed Egypt's willingness to assist in implementing the Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict and expressed hope for US support in addressing Israeli actions in Lebanon, aiming to restore Lebanese sovereignty and governance.