Ethiopia is Said to Want a Win –Win Approach Concerning the Utilization of Nile River
Ethiopia`s efforts to engage Egypt and Sudan to ensure that experts of the three countries are included in the International panel of experts which is assessing the impact of the Great Renaissance Dam in the lower riparian countries is a Positive Gesture and confidence from the Part of Ethiopia that the Dam is in no way hurting Egypt and Sudan said Ambassador Dina Mufti, spokes person of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Ambassador Dina said this in a public lecture organized by the School of Diplomacy and International Relations, Ethiopian Civil Service University, on January 2, 2013. The participants were Public Diplomacy short term trainees and some Masters and PhD students of the University.
Ambassador Dina said in the occasion that the main objective of the public lecture was to expose the participants to the diplomatic perspective of the Nile River, prospects for the equitable utilization of the River, challenges related to the Nile River and some dos and don`t dos concerning the River.
Ambassador Dina gave highlight about the Nile River before he entered in to the subject. According to him the Nile River basin is one of the few regions of the earth in which extensive archaeological remains of ancient civilizations, renowned polities, kingdoms and empires can still be found. The Nile itself is the world’s longest river stretching 6825 km from its source to its mouth, and its basin covers some 3.3 million sq km – one-tenth of the whole African continent
Ambassador Dina said many donor countries shy out from supporting Ethiopia at any project on the Nile River due to Egypt`s geo political situation in the region. However, the capacity created in Ethiopia and its increasing diplomatic influence in the region and the world at large, will make them think to revisit their position. Ambassador Dina
" We are not mocking when we say that we are building a Dum. We have shown them that we have the capacity to do it "
Ambassador Dina further said in the near future public diplomacy group which comprises peoples from all walks of the society will go to Egypt to tell them that Ethiopia is not interested in hurting Egypt.Ethiopia wants a win –win approach concerning the utilization of the Nile River, said Ambassador Dina .Ambassador Dina finally reacted to the questions and suggestions raised by participants.
Dr.Hailemichael Abera, President of Ethiopian Civil Service University welcomed the participants to the session. Dr.Hailemichael said
" though we see you as short term trainees in public diplomacy now, we hope that you would qualify for the Masters programme to be opened sooner."
Dr.Hailemichael described the Guest Speaker, Ambassador Dina Mufti, as the most prominent figure in the Nile Issues. In addition to that he served his country for many years as Ambassador in different countries,said Dr.Hailemichael.So the presentation he is to offer us is of great importance to understand and relate the Nile issues ,concluded Dr.Hailemichael.
The session was moderated by Dr.Mohammed Abdulahi,Vice Director for the School of Diplomacy and International Relations