President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi has welcomed recent remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump concerning the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), describing them as a “positive and serious indication” of America’s commitment under Trump’s leadership to support efforts aimed at resolving the protracted Nile water dispute in a fair and balanced manner.
In a statement issued by the Egyptian Presidency, El-Sisi expressed his appreciation for President Trump’s recognition of the Nile River as “a source of life” for the Egyptian people, emphasizing that such acknowledgment reinforces Egypt’s longstanding call for a legally binding agreement that guarantees its historical water rights and ensures no harm to downstream countries.
“President El-Sisi values President Trump’s clear understanding of the centrality of the Nile to Egypt’s national security and his expressed support for a just and comprehensive resolution to the GERD issue,” the statement said. “This reflects the continued importance the United States places on global peace, security, and the fair management of transboundary resources.”
The Egyptian President further praised President Trump’s emphasis on diplomacy and mutual respect in resolving international disputes, adding that the United States has historically played a constructive role in advancing negotiations on GERD—especially during the 2020 Washington talks that nearly produced a final agreement.
El-Sisi stressed that Egypt has exhausted all peaceful avenues of negotiation, engaging in more than 11 years of dialogue with Ethiopia under various international frameworks—including the African Union, the United States, the European Union, and the United Nations. However, repeated rounds of talks have failed to yield a binding legal framework for the filling and operation of the dam, which Ethiopia has continued to pursue unilaterally.
“Egypt will never compromise on its national water security,” El-Sisi affirmed. “We remain committed to a peaceful resolution, but we also retain our full sovereign right to defend our interests if they come under threat.”
The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, located on the Blue Nile near the Sudanese border, is Africa’s largest hydroelectric project and has been a major source of regional tension since its construction began in 2011. While Ethiopia maintains that the dam is essential for its energy and development needs, Egypt fears it will significantly reduce its share of Nile water, upon which it depends for over 90% of its fresh water supply.
El-Sisi also reiterated Egypt’s appreciation for any international effort—particularly from global powers such as the United States—that seeks to bring all parties back to the table with a renewed spirit of cooperation, transparency, and respect for international law.
“President Trump’s statements reaffirm a vision for peace rooted in justice, equity, and respect for sovereign rights,” El-Sisi concluded. “Egypt stands ready to engage constructively with all partners who share these principles and who are committed to safeguarding stability and development in the region.”
The statement comes amid renewed calls within Egypt for stronger international engagement on GERD, especially as Ethiopia continues to advance its construction and filling plans without agreement from downstream countries.
