The water security dilemma affects a number of Arab countries, and threatens them with serious consequences if ignored, says President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi.
In a speech at the 31st Arab Summit in Algeria, held on Wednesday, he stressed the importance of continuing to urge Ethiopia to demonstrate political will and good intentions to reach a legally binding agreement on the filling and operation of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).
He pointed to the importance of adhering to the presidential statement issued by the Security Council and the solutions put forward during the rounds of negotiations, which secure the needs of the Ethiopian people now and in the future, and safeguard the needs of the Egyptian and Sudanese peoples.
In another context, he pointed out that “climate change is a reality imposed on the world,” expressing his aspiration to receive Arab leaders in Egypt, on November 7 and 8 at the Sharm El-Sheik Summit, to implement the pledges of climate change, and to turn the challenge into a real opportunity.
“President Al-Sisi said that the settlement of Arab crises and dealing with international challenges stems mainly from the Arab states’ belief in the unity of their goals and ideals, and the activation of their cooperation, capabilities and tools in matters of collective security, in parallel with their efforts to integrate on other tracks.”
In a message to the Arab peoples, he said: “Trust in our Arab nation, which has a long history and a rich and extended cultural contribution, and still possesses the necessary elements for a more stable and prosperous future, foremost among which are your determination, your minds and your aids.”
“Egypt will keep in mind the cohesion of the Arab entity, its preservation and protection, and will always be present in support of you, keeping its doors open to all Arab children in order to defend their present and future generations,” he said.
President Al-Sisi stressed the importance of strengthening Arab relations and addressing the common challenges facing our Arab countries.
He added that the holding of the Arab summit in itself is a call for the continuation of the strong Arab spirit and the renewal of the determination of steadfastness to preserve our identity and national will, and to preserve the rights of our peoples and preserve their capabilities.
“What may hurt our brothers in the Maghreb extends to Egypt and the Gulf states, instability in the Levant and Palestine extends to the Maghreb, and the threat to the security of the Gulf is a threat to all of us,” he added.
He pointed out that “Arab national security is indivisible,” adding that we find that the dangers that are engulfing our countries are the same, from the intervention of foreign regional powers in the region’s affairs, the fueling of conflicts, and the direct military aggression on some Arab countries.
The President said that the Arabs are able to work together, to settle the Palestinian issue, and to restore the Palestinian rights, which have historically been; the real standard for the cohesion of the Arab nation.
He added that the Arab peace initiative embodies this cohesion and the common vision for a comprehensive solution to the issue, based on the Arab peace initiative and the establishment of the State of Palestine on the 67 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.
He pointed to the need for more collective Arab action, even with the new crises in Syria, Libya, Yemen, Iraq and Sudan, noting that “peace and security are threatened as these crises continue.”
AI-Sisi called for the importance of reaching a political settlement under a purely Libyan leadership, without external dictates, until elections are held, mercenaries and fighters leave within a specified time frame, the reunification of State institutions and the dissolution of militias, thus preventing a renewal of military confrontations.
