Egyptian delegation in S. Sudan to enhance relations

February 24, 2015 (WAU) – A high-level delegation of Egyptian officials visited South Sudan’s Western Bahr el Ghazal state on Tuesday.

South Sudan’s minister for electricity and dams, who led the delegation, said the visit will strengthen cooperation and partnership between the two nations.

“We are here with this high profile of delegates from Arab Republic of Egypt visiting Western Bahr el Ghazal state today as part of framework of our cooperation agreement with Egypt and the Republic of South Sudan,” said Jemma Nunu Kumba.

The two countries, some years back, reportedly signed several cooperation agreements on electricity and water, among other sectors.

“This visit is an implementation followed up by the people of Egypt to the people of South Sudan prior to the signed agreements between the two governments,” said Kumba.

Delegations from the two countries will study existing dam projects in Western Bahr el Ghazal, an initiative that will ensure residents receive clean and treated water from irrigation and electricity power.

Kumba, however, said partners will be required to implement the project.

Meanwhile, Egypt’s minister for water resources and irrigation, Hassan Mohamed Moghazy lauded the strong ties between the two nations.

“This visit follows the visit of South Sudan’s president Salva Kiir and the Western Bahr el Ghazal state governor to Cairo last year,” he said.

NILE WATER INTERESTS

An analyst said the cooperation agreement between Egypt and South Sudan is a test of its seemingly dwindling relation with Ethiopia, especially at the time when Cairo threatened military action against Addis Ababa over its controversial Renaissance dam.

Egypt continues to develop relations with South Sudan in an effort to protect its water interests within the borders, through which the White Nile flows. This comes at a time when the dispute between Cairo and Addis Ababa over the Nile’s waters is escalating.

The analyst, who preferred to remain anonymous, said South Sudan has constantly been under pressure from Ethiopia to sign for the Nile Basin Cooperation Framework Agreement (CFA), that seeks to strip off Egypt’s colonial right over the Nile River.

(ST)