The Sudanese Foreign Minister, Asma Mohamed Abdullah, revealed today, Saturday, that the recent negotiating rounds on the Renaissance Dam had made tangible progress in technical issues, which strengthened the conviction of the importance of the three countries' adherence to the option of negotiation as the best way to reach a comprehensive and satisfactory agreement,
According to the Sudan News Agency (SUNA), Asma Abdullah said in a statement that the dispute still exists on some fundamental legal issues, which necessitated referring the file to the prime ministers of the three countries with the aim of reaching a political consensus that would lead to the resumption and completion of negotiations as soon as possible.
The Foreign Minister reaffirmed Sudan's categorical rejection of any unilateral move that would harm Sudan, by starting the process of filling the dam without reaching an agreement, particularly with regard to the safety and operation of the Roseires Dam.
The Minister also stressed the need for all parties to commit to negotiating in good faith and observing the relevant rules of international law and giving priority to the spirit of cooperation achieved in the interests of the peoples of the three countries.
The Foreign Minister affirmed that Sudan continues to make all efforts within the framework of its current initiative aimed at continuing negotiations and dialogue as the best way to achieve the interests of the three countries to reach a just and balanced agreement.
In a related context, the Foreign Minister expressed appreciation for the participation of the observers, South Africa (the president of the African Union in its current session), the United States and the European Union, in the recent negotiating rounds, expressing the aspiration for a more effective role in bringing the views and pushing efforts to reach an agreement on the Renaissance Dam.
The Minister concluded her statement by saying that Sudan is keen on protecting and securing its national interests, committed in that regard to the principles of international law, and to giving precedence to the languages of cooperation and dialogue.