China affirmed its support for Egypt’s legitimate right to protect its water security on the Nile River, while Cairo reiterated its commitment to the One China principle regarding Taiwan, as Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi hosted Chinese President Xi Jinping for talks in Cairo on Wednesday.
In a joint statement, the two nations emphasised mutual support on issues concerning each other’s core interests. China recognised the vital importance of the Nile River for Egypt as its main lifeline and backed its legitimate right to protect its water and food security, as well as its developmental interests. Both nations called on all Nile Basin countries to commit to international law, including the principle of not causing harm.
Conversely, Egypt affirmed its rejection of interference in China’s internal affairs and stated that Taiwan is an integral part of the territory of the People’s Republic of China. Cairo supported Beijing’s stance on issues relating to China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and backed the achievement of China’s reunification.
The diplomatic exchanges occurred at Al-Ittihadiya Palace, where Sisi and his wife, Entissar al-Sisi, held a formal reception for Xi and his wife. Egyptian presidency spokesperson Ambassador Mohamed El-Shenawy stated that the welcoming ceremony included a cavalry procession, a 21-gun artillery salute, a guard of honour, and the playing of both national anthems, followed by a commemorative photograph of the two leaders and their spouses.
Following extended talks between the two delegations, the leaders signed an agreement and several memoranda of understanding before attending a luncheon hosted by Sisi in honour of the Chinese president and his accompanying delegation.
“At the outset, I welcome my friend, Chinese President Xi Jinping, to Egypt on a historic visit that coincides with the two countries’ celebration of 70 years since the launch of their diplomatic relations, which were established in 1956, as Egypt was the first Arab and African country to recognize and establish diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China,” Sisi said at the start of the talks.
Cairo warns against monopolising Nile water flows
The Chinese endorsement of Egypt’s water security follows Cairo’s recent rejection of remarks by Ethiopia’s Minister of Water and Energy, Habtamu Itefa, regarding plans to construct additional dams on the Blue Nile. Cairo dismissed what it described as Ethiopia’s ability to “control” water flows to downstream countries, warning that it will not accept any attempt to unilaterally control the river’s flow.
Quoted by the state-run Middle East News Agency (MENA), an Egyptian government source described the Ethiopian statements as reflecting what he called Addis Ababa’s “illusions” that it could impose control over a shared international river and subject its management to the will of a single state.
The source stated that Ethiopia’s explicit reference to seeking control over Nile flows contradicted its repeated assertions that its water projects are intended to support development without harming downstream countries. He described the remarks as a potentially dangerous attempt to impose a fait accompli, monopolise a shared international water resource, and use Ethiopia’s geographical position to threaten the water rights and interests of Egypt and Sudan.
“Egypt will not accept or allow any party to control water flows to downstream countries,” the source said.
Stressing that the Nile does not belong to any particular country, the Egyptian source argued that unilateral control over its flows would conflict with established principles of international law governing shared international waterways. These principles, according to the source, include avoiding harm to other states, consultation, cooperation in good faith, and respecting the rights and interests of other countries sharing the river basin.
