Sisi: Egypt's share of Nile waters is a 'historical right' that cannot be violated - Sarmad
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi affirmed that the Nile River represents the “lifeline of Egypt,” stressing that his country will not permit any measures that undermine its water security or diminish its water share.
Speaking before the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces on the occasion of the 53rd anniversary of the October victories, el-Sisi stated that Egypt’s share of the Nile’s waters constitutes a “firm historical and legal right” that cannot be diminished or infringed upon.
The Egyptian president emphasized that Cairo would continue to extend its hand for cooperation and joint development with Nile Basin countries, but at the same time would not allow any action that could harm its water security. He affirmed that Egypt would continue to defend its water rights “by all means guaranteed by international law.”
The escalation in Egyptian rhetoric regarding water security comes amid ongoing disputes with Ethiopia over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) and the rules governing its filling and operation. Cairo insists on reaching a binding legal agreement that ensures clear rules for operation and filling, safeguarding the interests of Egypt and Sudan, while Addis Ababa asserts its right to exploit its water resources for development purposes.
El-Sisi stressed that the water issue is directly linked to Egypt’s national security, given Egypt’s primary reliance on the Nile River to meet its water needs. This makes any developments concerning the river’s flow or the operation of structures built on it of strategic importance to Cairo.
In a broader context, the Egyptian president affirmed that his country is facing a region plagued by crises and turmoil, alongside rapid international transformations and unprecedented challenges. He pointed out that what he described as “plots targeting the stability of Egypt through the Nile” have not ceased.
He underscored the strength, cohesion, and capability of state institutions to protect national security, preserve the country’s resources, and maintain stability, affirming that Egypt will not allow its security to be compromised or its will to be imposed upon it.
El-Sisi then turned to the Palestinian issue, affirming that the establishment of an independent Palestinian state in accordance with international legitimacy resolutions represents the only guarantee for achieving just and lasting peace and stability in the Middle East.
He reiterated Egypt’s firm rejection of any attempts to displace Palestinians from their land, noting that the peace experience between Egypt and Israel proves that ending conflicts and coexistence among peoples is a “realistic option” and not an impossible dream.
The Egyptian president stressed the necessity of fully implementing US President Donald Trump’s ceasefire plan for the Gaza Strip, and not circumventing its provisions or ignoring their implementation.
In a broader message regarding regional developments, el-Sisi affirmed Egypt’s support for the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Arab states, as well as the preservation of their national institutions. He stressed that the security of Gulf states is an “integral part” of Egypt’s national security.
He also condemned any attacks targeting Arab states, calling for the preservation of freedom of navigation in international sea lanes amid the tensions gripping the region and their repercussions on the security of trade and maritime transport routes.
In conclusion of his speech, el-Sisi affirmed that the Egyptian Armed Forces stand “on full alert” to defend Egypt, its resources, and its national security at all times and under any circumstances, sending a message linking the army’s readiness to the multiple challenges facing the Egyptian state at the regional, security, and strategic levels.
