Cairo: Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi declared the Nile River a national security priority during a meeting in Cairo with Gen. Michael Kurilla, the commander of US Central Command. The discussion focused on regional water issues, with Sisi underscoring the "critical importance" of the Nile to Egypt's national security, as per a statement from the presidency. Cairo: Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi declared the Nile River a national security priority during a meeting in Cairo with Gen. Michael Kurilla, the commander of US Central Command. The discussion focused on regional water issues, with Sisi underscoring the "critical importance" of the Nile to Egypt's national security, as per a statement from the presidency.

According to Anadolu Agency, the conversation comes on the heels of Sisi's recent appreciation for US President Donald Trump's efforts to reach a fair agreement regarding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). The dam, constructed by Ethiopia on the Blue Nile, has been a contentious issue, with Trump expressing his intention to expedite the resolution of the dispute between Egypt and Ethiopia.

Egypt and Sudan have consistently advocated for a legally binding agreement with Ethiopia concerning the filling and operation of the GERD, particularly during drought periods, to ensure their water share from the Nile. Meanwhile, Ethiopia maintains that the dam is crucial for its development and has assured that it will not harm downstream countries.

In early July, Ethiopia announced the completion of the GERD, setting the stage for an official inauguration in September. The construction, which began in 2011, has been a source of diplomatic tension among Ethiopia, Sudan, and Egypt, with the latter fearing that reduced water flows could impact its water allocation from the Nile.

Despite years of negotiations involving the African Union and international mediators, the three nations have yet to finalize a legally binding agreement on the long-term management of the water resources.