Italy has called for a fair and sustainable negotiation between Egypt and Ethiopia over the Nile waters dispute in line with international laws.
The call was made by Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani during a joint press conference with his Egyptian counterpart, Badr Abdelatty in Egypt’s El Alamein city.
Local media quoted Tajani as saying that Rome was ready to facilitate dialogue between the two countries, noting that Italy’s good relations with both Ethiopia and Egypt would help resolve the longstanding dispute.
He said Italy recognises the importance of Nile waters to Egypt and stressed the need for an agreement that safeguards Cairo’s water interests while adhering to international law.
Abdelatty described the Nile water issue as Egypt’s “top priority” and an existential matter, citing its direct implications for more than 110 million Egyptians.
He called for full compliance with international law, particularly the principle of avoiding harm to other states, and opposed what he described as unilateral measures concerning Nile waters.
The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) was constructed by Italian engineering and construction company Webuild, which has been the project’s main contractor.
In 2026, Webuild received the Samoter Innovation award for its work on the dam during the Samoter International Construction Machinery Exhibition organised by Veronafiere in Italy.
The company said the award recognised the project’s engineering complexity, technological achievements and wider economic and social significance for Ethiopia’s energy and industrial development.
MG/as/APA