The countries also agreed on the no-harm principle when it comes to the three countries’ interests. However, negotiations did not only include the GERD but were extended to include the general framework when it came to the relationship between the three countries. Sisi and Bashir have previously signed a framework agreement dealing with the countries’ water rights after Ethiopia decided to build the GERD, seen by Egypt and Sudan as a threat to their water supply from the Nile. In December, Egypt proposed that the World Bank be allowed to help settle the dispute, but Ethiopia rejected the proposal. A bone of contention for both Ethiopia and Egypt has been the speed at which the dam’s reservoir would be filled.

Source: Egypt Independent January 30, 2018 11:03 UTC