Political Science Professor: UAE Plays a Significant Role in the Stability of the African Continent and the Resolution of the Renaissance Dam Crisis

In a notable development that reflects the depth of relations between the UAE and Ethiopia, the President of the UAE, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, and the Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Abiy Ahmed, discussed bilateral relations between the two countries, as well as regional and international issues, during a session of talks at the Ethiopian Prime Minister’s office last Friday.

The Renaissance Dam Issue

The meeting did not overlook the “Renaissance Dam” crisis, which Addis Ababa is constructing on the Blue Nile waters and refuses to agree with the downstream countries, Egypt and Sudan, on a binding law regarding the filling and operation of the dam.

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed also welcomed the positive step of the recent agreement between Egypt and Ethiopia to initiate negotiations for a settlement regarding the Renaissance Dam issue.

Prominent Role on the Continent

Dr. Tarek Fahmy, the political science professor, revealed that the notable development in UAE-Ethiopian relations is driven by the leaderships of both countries’ desire to deepen and expand these relations across political, economic, developmental, and security aspects. This is particularly due to the presence of numerous shared understandings and mutual interests between the two countries.

He added that the UAE has played a vital role in ending the longest-standing conflict in the African continent, a conflict that lasted for nearly 20 years between Ethiopia and Eritrea. The UAE has also provided continuous support to the African continent, in addition to its role in achieving peace in Africa based on its approach that supports stability and prosperity in the region and the world. Therefore, it supports all initiatives and efforts aimed at peacefully resolving crises on the continent, particularly the issue of the Renaissance Dam.