CAIRO, April 17, 2018 – The Speaker of the National Assembly of Burundi, Pascal Nyabenda, said that his country totally understands Egypt's water needs and its reliance on the Nile River, confirming that Burundi has always stood by Egypt in its efforts to ensure its water security. The senior Burundian official was speaking during a meeting with Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukri who started an official visit to Bujumbura, Burundian capital, on Tuesday, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Ahmed Abu Zeid said. During the meeting, Mr Nyabenda praised the exemplary relations that bind the two countries and confirmed the appreciation of the Burundian people for the support offered by Egypt to their country. "We always feel that the Egyptian people and government stand by the Burundian people in times of need," the Burundian official said. For his part, FM Shoukri confirmed that Egypt attached great importance to enhancing relations with the Nile Basin countries in general and Burundi in particular, especially in the light of the historical relations that bind the two countries, Spokesman Abu Zeid added. The Egyptian foreign minister asserted Egypt's keenness on boosting co-operation between the two countries and the need to develop it in every field and to coordinate action on issues of top priority to both sides. FM Shoukri declared that Egypt was keen on providing political and economic support to Burundi as was clearly demonstrated by the pro-Burundi stances adopted by Egypt at regional and international gatherings, particularly after becoming a member of the UN Security Council in 2016 and 2017, and in the African Union Peace and Security Council and in the Human Rights Council in Geneva. Shoukri's current visit is part of Egypt's support to Burundi in achieving development, security and stability, Spokesman Abu Zeid said. Later on, Minister Shoukri held talks with the Minister of External Relations and International Co-operation, Alain Aimé Nyamitwe, that focused on furthering Egyptian-Burundian ties in all domains. During the talks, Minister Shoukri emphasised that Cairo was paying due attention to the development of ties with Bujumbura in all fields so as to realise the interests of the peoples of the two countries. Likewise, Minister Nyamitwe said that his country is interested in the deepening of ties with Egypt in every domain. He also paid tribute to efforts made by Egypt for bolstering the pillars of peace and stability in Africa. Minister Myamitwe, who highlighted his country's keenness on continuing consultation and coordination with Egypt over African issues of mutual concern, praised Cairo's efforts to restore stability and security to Africa. He paid tribute to Egypt's role at both African and international levels and expressed appreciation for Egypt's continuing support of Burundi in such a manner that reflects Egypt's historical weight in the Continent.
