Assistant Foreign Minister for African Affairs, Mona Omar, has denied any political differences between Egypt and the Nile basin countries, against the backdrop of Cairo's refusal to sign the framework agreement of the Nile Basin Initiative. In exclusive statements to Al-Masry Al-Youm, Omar said: "There are no differences between Egypt and these countries, as bilateral relations between Cairo and their capitals are strong. There is only a difference of opinion on one of the agreement terms."
It is a legal rather than a political disagreement, she said, pointing out that the difference on this item is not new. It is the media hype that has made people think that there are differences between Egypt and these countries.
Egypt is committed to its historic right in the Nile Basin Initiative, but the Nile basin countries see that the agreement was signed in the previous eras of colonialism. "These States have stressed more than once that they do not aim to harm Egypt's interests and this is positive," Omar added.
Egypt focuses on promoting cooperation with the Nile basin countries and establishing water projects in order to achieve the best possible benefits from water resources in these countries. Egypt's Minister of International Cooperation, Fayyza Abul Naga will chair the Egyptian delegation to the COMESA summit that will be held in Zimbabwe on June 7. Assistant Foreign Minister for African Affairs will chair Egypt's delegation in the ministerial meetings leading up to the summit. The establishment of a customs union for COMESA countries will be top of the summit's agenda.
Omar has denied reports that Egypt would not benefit from the summit, confirming that trade between Egypt and COMESA countries has significantly increased.
The establishment of a customs union will greatly increase the bilateral trade, as removing tariff barriers would facilitate the movement of goods among COMESA countries.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs makes great effort to encourage the Egyptian businessmen to invest in Africa, she said, adding: "Many Egyptian businessmen are investing in African countries, but we need more investments in Africa."
