Egypt's foreign minister Sameh Shoukry discussed Egypt-US relations and recent developments in the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) talks and the region with US Secretary of State Mike Pompoe on Monday in Washington, the Egyptian foreign ministry stated. Shoukry and Pompoe deliberated about the latest developments in GERD talks between the ministers of foreign affairs and water resources of Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia, attended by US representatives. Egypt's foreign minister lauded the positive role the current US administration plays in the GERD talks, saying it may contribute to reaching a fair and balanced solution for the filling and operation of the dam, which will support stability and development in the East Africa region. The irrigation ministers of Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia are scheduled to resume negotiations on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam in Washington on Monday under the auspices of the US Treasury and with the participation of the president of the World Bank. The meeting is part of an agreement reached in November that the three countries hold four meetings to resolve technical issues on the filling and operation of the dam. The agreement also stipulates that two meetings be held in the US to follow up on the negotiation process. The first round of negotiations was held in Ethiopia on 15-16 November, while the second was held in Cairo on 2-3 December. The third and fourth meetings are scheduled to be held in Sudan and Ethiopia ahead of the final meeting in the US. Shoukry and Pompeo also exchanged views on the Middle East issues, prime among which are developments in Libya and recent efforts to restore security and stability in the war-torn country. They also discussed the recent developments in Syria and the Gulf and the war on terrorism. Shoukry and Pompeo concluded the meeting by agreeing to continue coordination and consultation on the different issues in the Middle East.
