Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and Ugandan leader Yoweri Museveni agreed to deepen cooperation between their countries on Nile water utilization during a meeting in Entebbe on May 13, according to a joint statement following the talks, published by el-Sisi's administration.
During the meeting, the two heads of state emphasized the importance of promoting sustainable hydropower development while preserving the integrity of ecosystems and water catchments, upon which the availability of water resources in the Nile Basin depends.
"In this regard, the Egyptian side reaffirmed its readiness to fund and mobilize resources for the development of water infrastructure in the Nile Basin on Ugandan territory — in particular through the Nile Development Fund — with the aim of achieving mutual benefit and mutually advantageous cooperation," the statement said.
The two leaders also agreed to intensify efforts in water resources management, protection of water catchments, and the creation of climate-resilient water infrastructure.
Additionally, during the talks, el-Sisi and Museveni exchanged views on a number of pressing international issues, including the situation in Sudan, South Sudan, Libya, and Somalia, as well as discussing areas for expanding bilateral cooperation.
"Both presidents ... instructed the relevant authorities of their countries to prioritize trade and investment in key sectors, including agro-processing, pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, ... accelerate negotiations on pending cooperation documents, including a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in the immigration field and an agreement in the labor sector," the statement said.
In February, media reported that Egypt had expressed readiness to facilitate Ethiopia's access to the Red Sea, provided Addis Ababa softened its position in the dispute over Nile waters.
The reference is to the longstanding dispute surrounding Ethiopia's construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on the Blue Nile. Egypt, which is almost entirely dependent on the Nile's waters, insists on a legally binding agreement on the dam's operating rules, particularly during dry periods.