Egypt disappointed by Russian stance on Nile dam dispute
Some Egyptians call for reassessing relations with Russia after it failed to back Egypt's view on Ethiopia's Nile dam at the Security Council this month, although overall ties remain strong.
CAIRO — Calls are being made by some in Egypt to reassess relations with Russia, long viewed as an ally of Cairo, amid accusations that Moscow failed to support Egypt's position on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).
The Security Council held a session on the Blue Nile dam July 8 at Egypt's and Sudan's request. The Nile River gives Egypt around 85% of its annual water needs,
Tunisia, a nonpermanent member of the council, also submitted a draft resolution calling on Ethiopia to suspend the ongoing second filling of the dam reservoir until a legally binding agreement on the operation and filling of the dam is reached within six months.
Egypt, whose foreign minister held a series of meetings with the representatives of council member states ahead of the July 8 session, expected Russia and other allies to show support for its position on the dam, which it views as an "existential threat."
