For almost 30 years, Egypt had been disconnected from its African roots. In a drastic change, the Foreign Ministry announced last week Egypt's election for membership of the Peace-building Commission of the United Nations representing Africa for two-year seats. The committee, which specialises in building peace in countries emerging from conflict, has six African countries on the agenda. At its request, Egypt held the AMCEN Conference for the first time in 30 years. The United Nations Environment Program's regional office in Africa said: "A lot has changed in those 30 years. Back then, growth was slow, now Africa's GDP has tripled." Throughout former President Hosni Mubarak's 30 year rule, Egypt defied African countries which led to the deterioration of relations, said Kandil. Raslan agreed, stating that during Mubarak's rule, Egypt did not attend any African summits. Since President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi took office, efforts to communicate with African countries were of no less importance than other "big powers". He attended two African summits, and on 4 March, Al-Sisi met African Ministers of Environment and the United Nations Environment Program executive manager. He also met with African ambassadors on Sunday. With the improved relations in the past eight months, African countries, including Somalia, Chad, and Djibouti, are to attend the Economic Summit. "African countries will come for trade. They are basically investment receiving countries," Raslan said. Their presence is significance to a general enhancement in relations and boosted communication with Egypt, he explained. Water Issues African enmity towards Egypt has risen to boiling point in the form of water talks, Raslan said. Since Ethiopia began constructing the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) in 2011, the Nile basin country had been in dispute with Egypt. Egypt's main concern is the dam's water retaining capacity. Utilising more Nile water than any other country, Egypt fears the dispute will have a detrimental effect on its share of the river's water. As per 1929 and 1959 agreements, Egypt receives 55.5bn cubic metres of the estimated 84bn cubic metres of Nile water produced each year, with Sudan receiving 18.5bn cubic metres. Egypt receives 86% of Nile water originating from the Blue Nile, which has its source in Ethiopia. The White Nile, which flows through South Sudan, accounts for the remaining water share. Egypt rejected in early January the GERD's current high storage capacity, at 74bn cubic metres. Following President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi's visit to the African Union summit in late January, a committee was formed between Ethiopia and Egypt's foreign ministries, specifically to address water issues. Egypt is now taking steps to resolve problems, Raslan said. In February, Egypt attended a Nile Basin Initiative meeting which took place in the Sudanese capital, Khartoum, ending a five-year boycott. The boycott came after the Basin countries signed the Entebbe Convention, which undermined Egypt's majority share in Nile River water. Ethiopian Foreign Minister Tawadros Adhanom expressed Tuesday his country's commitment to overcoming points of contention over the joint cooperation with Egypt and Sudan regarding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. Adhanom said Ethiopia is keen on completing all conventions and recommendations to reach common benefit for all. Al-Sisi received a report from Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry and Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Hossam El-Moghazy on the Khartoum meetings with the Irrigation Ministers of both Sudan and Ethiopia. The ministers stressed the three countries' ability to reach a consensus on a set of principles to be submitted to political leaders for their consideration and approval. Shoukry also stressed that what has been achieved is an important step on the path of strengthening bilateral relations between Egypt and Ethiopia. He further highlighted the positive spirit that prevailed in the latest round of negotiations for the availability of real political will on both sides. Sudan, once a part of Egypt In further efforts to tighten relations, Egypt granted South Sudan $26.6m based on a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the two countries. The grant will fund a new dam in South Sudan with 2bn cubic metres of water storage capacity, a first of several dams to be built. The dam will help with South Sudan's infrastructure and developmental bases, providing drinking water to about 500,000 people in Wau, as well as enough irrigation water to grow 30,000 feddans. The Wau dam will also contribute to the regularity of river navigation throughout the year Extended policy A few days ago, Al-Sisi met the Special Advisor to Burundi President Pierre Nkurunziza, to discuss mutual interests of both countries and the strengthening of Egypt's relations with more Nile Basin countries. On Wednesday, the Foreign Ministry welcomed the Mali agreement for peace and reconciliation signed Sunday between the Malian government and a number of armed groups in the West African country. The past is Africa, the future is Africa Kandil said Africa is full of resources, markets and tourism destinations, which Egypt could be a partner in. The whole world is turning towards Africa. Egypt has to take an initiative towards African countries or else it will be left behind, Kandil said. There is an endeavour for two-way investment and technical training, said Raslan. "Egypt helped most African countries gain their independence. They have friendly sentiments towards Egypt," he assured. "What we lack is an understanding of the nature of the African societies and their culture. Without mutual cultural awareness, there cannot be political, economic or strategic cooperation." Kandil said that Egyptian media is portraying an incorrect image of countries of importance like Ethiopia. Raslan added that Egypt also needs to reform the negative image African countries hold for it.
