AU-Led Trilateral Negotiation on GERD Will Yield Results: New Zealand's Ambassador

Addis Ababa November 12/2014 /ENA/ The government New Zealand believes that the negotiations between the three countries through the African Union (AU) regarding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) will yield results, New Zealand's Ambassador to Ethiopia and the African Union, Michael Apton said.

The Ambassador visited the Ministry of Water and Energy and discussed various issues with the Minister, Dr.Eng. Habtamu Itefa.

During the occasion, the Ambassador stated that “We believe that the negotiations between the three countries through the African Union regarding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam will yield results and we support that."

He also announced his country’s plans to provide financial support to the AU to achieve the goal of zero carbon emissions in the future, adding that Ethiopia is one of the countries.

Ethiopia’s Ministry of Water and Energy Dr Eng. Habtamu Itefa told the Ambassador that billions of seedlings have been planted in the counter over the past three years under the leadership of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.

“This move will help to ensure the safety of water bodies in the country, including the Nile River.”

He also explained the benefits of the Renaissance Dam to Sudan and Egypt.  

The Minister and the Ambassador agreed to work together on renewable energy development, Water and Sanitation.

According to information obtained from the Ministry, the two have discussed issues related to drought, environmental protection, and climate change.