Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson exchanged views - in a phone call on Thursday evening - on the developments around the dispute caused by the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), in addition to a number of regional issues of mutual concern. President El-Sisi stressed to Johnson the "paramount" importance of the GERD issue describing it as a matter of national security, while reaffirming Cairo's adherence to its water rights through reaching a legally binding agreement that guarantees clear rules for the filling and operating of the dam that Addis Ababa is building on the Blue Nile. El-Sisi said Egypt aspires to enhance mutual cooperation with the UK in various fields, particularly technology transfer and localisation, as well as strengthening political consultation and coordination on regional and international issues of mutual interest. PM Johnson expressed his keenness to keeping in touch with the Egyptian president to enhance consultation and coordination on these issues, spokesman Bassam Rady said in a statement. The British PM voiced his appreciation for the "pivotal" role Egypt plays, under the leadership of President El-Sisi, towards settling the Libyan issue in addition to its efforts in helping push the political path in Libya and restore its state institutions. He also praised the role Egypt plays to support and consolidate peace and stability in the Middle East and Africa, voicing out his aspiration to support and develop bilateral relations with Egypt on all levels. The presidential spokesman said both leaders also discussed cooperation between the two countries and means to strengthen bilateral relations between them in all fields, especially in the fields of economy, investment and security and in the sectors of health, education and energy.
