The following is a statement by the Permanent Mission of the United Arab Emirates to the United Nations, New York, the Arab Member on the UN Security Council.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) believes that a successful conclusion of negotiations on the GERD is within reach and recognises the great opportunity it presents to enhance and accelerate regional integration, while bolstering cooperation and sustainable development in the region and beyond in the spirit of “African solutions to African challenges”.

In this context, the UAE underscores the essential role of the African Union (AU), welcomes the commitment of the three countries to the AU-led negotiations, and encourages them to continue negotiating in good faith.

Taking into account the progress already achieved through different initiatives undertaken in support of the AU-led process, the UAE believes the 2015 Declaration of Principles on the GERD remains a foundational reference point. The UAE supports the objectives of the parties to agree and resolve their differences to maximise the benefits to them and their peoples.