Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Sudan's al-Bashir hails Ethiopia mega projects

Sudan's al-Bashir hails Ethiopia mega projects

Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir on Monday praised a series mega projects being implemented in Ethiopia, saying it would pave the way for "the new Ethiopia."

Addressing Intellectuals' Forum on Ethiopia's Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) in the lakeside town of Bahir Dar, 578km northwest of Addis Ababa, al-Bashir said Ethiopia's fast-paced development also benefits Sudan, event coordinator Kebede Kassa told Anadolu Agency.

"Ethiopia and Sudan have historical relations that date back to many years and Ethiopia's development is also seen as a step forward for Sudan," he quoted al-Bashir as saying.

The two-day forum brought together local prominent intellectuals and professionals to discuss the legal rights of Ethiopia to use the Nile water.

Ethiopian State Minister for Foreign Affairs Berhane Gebre-Christos, who also attended the forum, said Ethiopia is keen to see active participation of intellectuals in promoting the country's legal rights in Nile water.

Participants include water experts, representatives from all government universities, senior officials of the federal and regional governments, lawmakers, civil activists and political figures, among others.


The event's main theme focuses on how best Ethiopia can maintain sustainable utilization and management of the Nile water, as well as the role of governments, African organizations and scientists of riparian states to deepen Nile riparian cooperation.

The use of Nile water has led to tensions between Ethiopia and Egypt, which fears that the GERD could threaten its share of the Nile River, its main source of water.

Ethiopia, however, says the project is indispensible for its own economic development, asserting the project won't harm Egyptian interests.

When finished in 2017, the dam will have a 6000-megawatt production capacity, according to government sources.

Addis Ababa says the dam will benefit downstream states Sudan and Egypt, both of which will be invited to purchase the electricity thus generated.

Source - World Bulletin

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