Egypt’s FM: Egypt will take all necessary legal measures to safeguard its water security

CAIRO – 6 August 2025: Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs Badr Abdelatty travelled to Kampala, the capital of Uganda, on Sunday to participate in the 2nd round of the 2+2 talks for the Foreign and Water Ministers of the two countries, addressing the water security of Nile Basin Countries.

This round addresses the outcomes of the first round that was held in December 2024 in Egypt, according to a statement released by the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Emigration.

Abdelatty and the Egyptian Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Hani Sweilam met with the Ugandan Foreign Minister Hon Oryem Henry Okello. They addressed the water security file.Abdelatty highlighted the importance of cooperation in accordance with the international law to preserve the interests of the Nile Basin Countries.

The Egyptian Foreign Minister also reiterated Egypt’s rejection of all unilateral actions that violate international law—particularly in reference to Ethiopia’s unilateral filling and operation of its controversial dam without prior coordination with Egypt and Sudan. Abdelatty affirmed that Egypt will take all necessary measures, in accordance with international law, to safeguard its water security.

For his part, Sweilam reviewed aspects of bilateral cooperation and ongoing projects between Egypt and Uganda in the field of water resources. He emphasized that adherence to international law regarding the Nile River is fundamental to fostering positive cooperation and achieving the shared interests of all Nile Basin countries.

As part of the strong bilateral relations between the two countries, the Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs—accompanied by the Ugandan Minister of International Relations—delivered a grant comprising agricultural equipment and light transport vehicles to a Ugandan civil society organization that actively supports youth and small-scale farmers.

Additionally, the meeting addressed regional developments, including political and security situations in the region—particularly in Somalia and the deployment of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), in which both Egypt and Uganda participate.

Minister Abdelatty emphasized the importance of preserving the unity, sovereignty, and stability of both Somalia and Sudan, supporting national state institutions, and working collectively to foster stability, peace, security, and development across the region and the African continent.