Egypt’s water security is ‘existential issue’, stresses Madbouly to the UN

Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly emphasized during the United Nations General Assembly that Egypt's water security is a matter of utmost importance, an issue that transcends economic considerations and is deeply rooted in the country's historical development and societal fabric. Speaking on behalf of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, Madbouly affirmed Egypt's right, as enshrined in the UN Charter and international law, to safeguard its water security, a crucial asset for its citizens.

While Egypt acknowledges the right of other nations to develop, it firmly maintains that such growth should not be achieved at the expense of harming others. Egypt insists that the management of shared resources should not be undertaken through unilateral actions or unilateral policies, but through cooperation, mutual respect, and legally binding agreements that respect the rights and interests of all parties involved.

Madbouly underscored the necessity of treating cross-border water resources as a platform for collaboration rather than a source of contention, stressing that advancements in one nation should never come at the expense of others. He warned against regional crises being managed in isolation, cautioning against foreign interference and the undermining of national state institutions.

Turning to the Palestinian issue, Madbouly called for a lasting ceasefire in Gaza, vehemently opposing any displacement of Palestinians, and reaffirming Egypt's commitment to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, based on the 1967 borders. Regarding Sudan, Madbouly reiterated Egypt's steadfast support for the country's unity, sovereignty, and state institutions.

Concluding his remarks, Madbouly urged for a comprehensive reform of the UN Security Council, addressing the historical injustices faced by Africa, particularly through the Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte Declaration. He also called for a reform of the global financial system, responsible governance of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, and a just transition that supports developing nations.

Madbouly stressed that the global system is grappling with challenges that necessitate the restoration of trust, advocating for effective multilateralism where every nation has a voice and for an international framework that upholds its commitments and guarantees equality in sovereignty among states. He highlighted the Palestinian issue as a prime example of the flaws in the current international order, emphasizing the pursuit of an independent, sovereign Palestinian state as a key objective.

Madbouly stressed the importance of consolidating the ceasefire in Gaza in line with the Sharm El-Sheikh and US President Donald Trump's plans.