El-Sisi Conveys Message of Solidarity, Friendship Addressing the Houses

By Daniel Beyene

-"We never allow any dispute to impair the strength of our ties."

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi conveyed a message of solidarity and friendship to Ethiopia yesterday speaking to a joint session of the House of Peoples' Representatives and the House of Federation.

In his live televised message, El-Sisi underscored that Egypt and Ethiopia have long aged cooperation and partnership as well as cultural and historic ties since the beginning of civilization. "Of course, the great River Nile is a source of our civilization and brotherhood. Hence, we never allow any dispute to impair the strength of our ties under any circumstances ," he reiterated.

Recalling Egypt's role in making Addis Ababa the headquarters of the then Organization of the African Unity, he said that Egypt was among the most fervent supporters and played its part for the unity, independence and liberation of Africa as a whole.

In the domain of bilateral relations, El- Sisi indicated that both countries need to write a new chapter in history avoiding moot conflicts that hold them hostages of suspicion and wariness. Both countries need to work tirelessly for the common interest and mutual benefits of their citizens with a view to acquire the tools that warrant sustainable progress and sophistication, he added.

To realize surplus production and bring about prosperity for both countries using the Nile River, he said both countries have a moral obligation not to harm each other and utilize the waters to improve the living standard of their people.

In his final remark, President El-Sisi noted that "our Nile unites us and brings ever lasting prosperity to the basin countries as long as we do not progress at the expense of others."

It is to be recalled that Egyptian President El-Sisi arrived in Addis Ababa last Monday for a three-day state visit. He held extensive talks with Ethiopia's Public Diplomacy Team, the Patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church Abune Mathias and leaders of the Ethiopian Islamic Affairs Supreme Council.

Source: allAfrica