In a powerful address, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed underscored that the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) was constructed not to harm but to help Ethiopia's neighbors. He framed the project as a catalyst for regional development and a source of shared power.

Directly addressing nations with "sincere fears," Prime Minister Abiy offered a message of reassurance. He stressed that Ethiopia would "never deny the rights of its neighbors," highlighting a shared fate. "The hunger of Egypt, the hunger of Sudan, and the problems of our other brothers are also our problems," he stated, asserting that Ethiopia's only desire is to "eat and share together with our brothers," not to cause harm.

The prime minister concluded with a call for a new era of cooperation, urging all parties to "leave the past behind" and work together on future projects.