Egypt, Sudan reject Ethiopia’s ‘unilateral’ Nile policy
August 7, 2025 (CAIRO, Egypt) – Sudanese Prime Minister Kamil Idris and his Egyptian counterpart Mostafa Madbouly on Thursday rejected Ethiopia’s “unilateral approach” on the Blue Nile, as Cairo pledged full support for Sudan’s new government during Idris’s first trip abroad.
Idris arrived in the Egyptian capital with a high-level delegation on his first foreign trip since being appointed Prime Minister last May.
“The two sides reiterated their rejection of the unilateral Ethiopian approach on the Blue Nile, which is inconsistent with the relevant principles of international law and the spirit of cooperation,” a joint statement said after the talks.
The leaders affirmed their coordination through the Joint Permanent Technical Commission for Nile Water, the body responsible for unifying their positions on Nile-related issues, as outlined in a 1959 agreement.
Egypt and Sudan refuse to join the Entebbe Agreement, proposed by Ethiopia to revise Nile water usage, as they view it as a threat to their water allotments secured in treaties from 1929 and 1959. Under the 1959 accord, Egypt is allocated 55 billion cubic meters of Nile water annually, and Sudan receives 18 billion.
Meeting President Sisi
In a separate meeting, Idris met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to discuss strategic relations and regional issues, according to the presidential spokesman
The spokesman said Sisi reiterated Egypt’s steadfast support for Sudan’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity. Sisi also affirmed Egypt’s backing for efforts to achieve stability in Sudan and to cooperate on the country’s reconstruction.
The statement added that Egypt renewed its full support for Sudan’s government, all efforts to preserve its national institutions, and its territorial integrity. Cairo said it stands with “the aspirations of the Sudanese people for progress, prosperity, and achieving their goals in reconstruction and development.”
Discussions also addressed expanding bilateral cooperation, with a focus on opportunities for Egyptian companies to invest in strategic sectors as Sudan anticipates a phase of reconstruction.
The agreements also cover expanded cooperation in health, education and professional training to aid Sudan’s recovery. The plans include increasing Egyptian medical convoys, training Sudanese healthcare staff and other professionals, and strengthening ties in higher education and scientific research, the statement said.
The two prime ministers also discussed regional security, stressing the need for sustained coordination on issues affecting the Red Sea region.