Ethiopian Minister of Foreign Affairs Guido Andargachio commented on reports that South Sudan agreed to build a military base for Egypt near the borders of his country, saying that Ethiopia understands all its neighbors, adding that it did not accept the widespread rumor that South Sudan agreed to Egypt's request to establish Military base in Pajak. He added that Ethiopia appreciated its partnership with South Sudan.
This came during discussions the Minister held with the Ambassador of South Sudan James Petia Morgan, who stressed that his country would not take any steps that would harm the national interests of Ethiopia, according to the Ethiopian News Agency.
The minister said that Ethiopia understands all its neighboring countries, adding that it did not accept the widespread rumor that South Sudan agreed to Egypt's request to establish a military base in Pajak. He added that Ethiopia appreciated its partnership with South Sudan.
Gedo pointed out that "not only Ethiopia, but all the upstream countries have the right to fair use of the waters of the Nile," adding that his country "understands that South Sudan has no reason to oppose its interests in this regard."
Gedo reiterated Ethiopia's commitment to assist South Sudan as a neighbor to ensure the welfare of its citizens.
For his part, Ambassador Morgan said that Ethiopia played a great role in terms of enabling his country to become an independent country and guarantee the benefits of its citizens.
He added that the people of Ethiopia and South Sudan are one community that lives in two countries that share a lot of things, stressing that South Sudan strongly supports Ethiopia's right to use its natural resources for development.
Ambassador James Petia Morgan stressed that "the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam plays an important role in ensuring the regional economic transformation", adding that "the dam project has the full support of South Sudan."
The ambassador said that "if any force intends to attack Ethiopia through southern Sudan, it will first confront the people of South Sudan."