The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urged countries that have yet to ratify the Nile River Cooperation Framework Agreement to take action with the aim of promoting fairness and equitable benefits. In a recent interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN), Ambassador Nebiat Getachew, the spokesperson for Ethiopia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasized that this agreement is pivotal for enhancing collaborative development among the nations sharing the Nile River, particularly in strengthening their collective development initiatives.
Ambassador Nebiat highlighted the importance of ratifying the agreement, describing it as a significant milestone in the ongoing water diplomacy efforts within the Nile River Basin. He pointed out that the framework is designed to ensure that all member nations can enjoy equitable and just benefits from the river's resources, fostering a spirit of cooperation and mutual support among them.
The ambassador's call to action serves as a reminder of the potential that lies in united efforts to manage the Nile's resources effectively. By ratifying the agreement, countries can contribute to a more harmonious and productive relationship, ultimately leading to sustainable development and shared prosperity in the region.
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The cooperation among the countries along the Nile River is essential for fostering development initiatives, as highlighted by Engineer Tefera Beyene, Minister of Water and Energy and an adviser on transboundary rivers. He pointed out that while Ethiopia initially participated as an observer in previous cooperative efforts, it has now shown a keen interest in shaping and discussing a collaborative framework for the Nile River.
Tefera elaborated on the cooperation framework that was initiated in 1997 at Ethiopia's request, noting that it has progressed through various stages, including formulation and negotiation. He mentioned the establishment of a panel consisting of three representatives from the riparian nations, tasked with evaluating the countries that share transboundary waters and reviewing existing concepts related to their cooperation.
He further stressed that the negotiation process has become increasingly detailed, with specific clauses being introduced. According to a 2005 report from the Water Council, ministerial discussions took place between 2006 and 2010, during which Ethiopia took a leading role.
The establishment of the Nile Cooperation Framework Commission, which includes legal experts from the involved countries, marks a significant step forward, as it will oversee the transition and implementation of agreements stemming from the Nile Basin Initiative. The framework officially came into effect on October 3, 2017, after six basin countries ratified it, granting ownership rights to the downstream nations.