Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia should sit together for reaching common agreements: Egypt FM Fahmy

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Egypt’s Foreign Minister Nabil Fahmy said Thursday that the relations between Egypt and Sudan are unique, historical and would never be exposed to effects by changes of regimes or ideologies.

The minister made the remarks during an interview with the Khartoum-based Akhbar El-Youm daily newspaper.

The Egypt’s top diplomat asserted keenness since taking the office to make the Sudanese capital his first step outside the country.

The said visits made by officials from the two countries proved a mutual will to take the ties up to new levels.

Asked about the Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, Fahmy said that Cairo understands from the beginning that each of the three countries; Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia has its own vision on the project. “It is very normal that these visions are not identical, however, there is a responsibility for the three countries to sit together for reaching common agreements that serve their interests,” Fahmy said.

He added that Egypt appreciates the efforts of Khartoum during the three rounds of negotiations to reach the aspired-for agreements.

“We hope Sudan will continue taking this positive role and step aside the interests that may be gained out of building the dam in return for reaching an agreement that achieves the interests of the three countries without harming any of them,” Fahmy went on to say.

He downplayed the trumpets that accompany Hala’ib Triangle’s issue, saying that such a problem does not exist.

“Egypt is open for cooperation with all neighbors crowned by Khartoum,” the top diplomat said, adding the joint work should go through development projects which boosted goods exchange.

He has also stressed keenness of the Egyptian government to establish a positive and powerful relation with Sudan that is based on cooperation, joint action and respecting the sovereignty of each State.

Asked about the four freedoms agreement inked between the two Arab countries, Fahmy said that there is a common interest between the two countries to implement this agreement, noting that there are already joint committees working on the implementation of the accord.

The Four Freedoms Agreement was signed between the governments of Egypt and Sudan on September 4, 2004, allowing citizens of Egypt and Sudan to freely move across the border separating both states, and the rights to reside, work and own property in either country without a permit.