Egypt's Sisi orders review of Nile dam deal with Ethiopia

Egypt's Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi has asked a government commission to review a proposed Nile agreement with Ethiopia and Sudan.

World Bulletin / News Desk 

Al-Sisi held a meeting Tuesday with Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry and Irrigation Minister Hossam Moghazi.

"The meeting discussed the outcome of meetings of a Nile panel on a proposed declaration of principles between Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan on the Renaissance Dam," presidential spokesman Alaa Youssef said in a statement.

According to Youssef, al-Sisi has asked a government commission "to review the draft agreement and study all of its aspects."

Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan are expected to sign the agreement on March 23 in Khartoum.

No information is yet available on the specific terms of the agreement.

Ethiopia's Grand Renaissance Dam has been at the center of a diplomatic row between Cairo and Addis Ababa for several months.

While Ethiopia views the multibillion-dollar dam as a prerequisite for economic development, Egypt fears the project will lead to a marked reduction in Egypt's supply of Nile water.