By Goshu Melisew
Ethiopia reaffirmed commitment to be the driving force behind the Nile Basin Initiative.
Addressing participants of the 18th Regional Nile Day in Bujumbura, Burundi, Ethiopian Minister of Water & Energy, Habtamu Itefa (PhD), underscored Ethiopia's endeavors towards enhanced collaboration among Nile Basin countries.
Reflecting on the Nile Basin Initiative's 25-year journey, he highlighted the positive outcomes achieved thus far, particularly in targeted areas of basin development.
Despite lacking a formal legal structure, the Initiative has facilitated constructive dialogue among member states, conducted capacity-building initiatives, and raised awareness about watershed issues, garnering international attention and support, he pointed out.
Minister Itefa stressed the Initiative's transitional nature and the necessity for a permanent legal and institutional framework to ensure continual member country participation, immune to changes in government leadership.
Highlighting the critical juncture for advancing the Nile Basin Cooperation Framework Agreement's approval, he reaffirmed Ethiopia's unwavering commitment to driving Nile Basin cooperation forward.
Openness in cooperative development among member countries and Nile Basin communities is vital in the Nile Basin Investment, the Minister noted.//