Sisi, Burhan Discuss GERD Crisis, Israeli Assault on Gaza

SMA NEWS – CAIRO

Egyptian President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi held talks in Paris on Sunday with head of the Sudanese transitional council Abdul Fattah al-Burhan.

Talks focused on bilateral relations, the dispute over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) and border tensions between Sudan and Ethiopia.

French President Emmanuel Macron this week hosts African leaders and chiefs of global financial institutions for twin summit meetings that will seek to help Sudan into a new democratic era and provide Africa with critical financing swept away by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Spokesman for the Egyptian president said Sisi hoped to deepen ties with Sudan to serve the interests of their countries, especially on the security, military, economic and trade levels.

Burhan, for his part, hailed Egypt’s efforts to strengthen cooperation with Sudan, as well as its unlimited support to Sudanese security and stability.

The leaders also tackled the Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip and occupied West Bank, echoing calls by the Arab League and Organization of Islamic Cooperation for Tel Aviv to cease its assault.

They stressed that the two-state solution was the foundation for peace in the region.

They agreed to maintain communication and coordination and exchanged views on the latest developments related to the Nile dam.

They underlined the utmost need to resolve the dispute, which they view as a matter of national security. They reiterated the need to reach a legal binding agreement on the dam’s operation and filling in order to meet the interests of all concerned sides.