U.S. President Donald Trump said he plans to discuss trade issues and the long-running dispute over Ethiopia’s Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi during talks at the G7 summit in France.
Trump made the comments on Wednesday as he met with Sisi on the sidelines of the summit in Évian-les-Bains, where leaders from the world’s major industrialised economies are gathering to discuss global economic and security issues.
The Ethiopian dam project has been a major source of tension between Egypt and Ethiopia for years, with Cairo expressing concerns that the massive hydroelectric facility could affect water supplies from the Nile River.
The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, built on the Blue Nile, is Africa’s largest hydroelectric project and is intended to boost Ethiopia’s electricity generation and economic development.
Ethiopia considers the dam essential for expanding power access and supporting industrial growth, while Egypt, which relies heavily on the Nile for agriculture and drinking water, has repeatedly called for a legally binding agreement on the operation and filling of the reservoir.
Sudan has also been involved in negotiations, with the three countries holding multiple rounds of talks over the years without reaching a final settlement.
Trump said the issue would form part of his discussions with Sisi, although he did not provide details on what role Washington might play in the dispute.
The United States has previously been involved in efforts to mediate between Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan over the dam, particularly during Trump’s first administration.
The meeting between Trump and Sisi also comes as the two countries continue discussions on economic cooperation and trade relations.
Egypt remains a key strategic partner for the United States in the Middle East and North Africa, with cooperation spanning security, investment and regional diplomacy.
The G7 summit, attended by leaders from the United States, Britain, France, Germany, Canada, Italy and Japan, has focused heavily on global economic challenges, geopolitical tensions and international cooperation.
Representatives from the European Union and invited countries are also participating in discussions.
For Egypt, the Nile water dispute remains one of its most important foreign policy concerns, with successive governments warning that any significant disruption to water flows could have serious economic and social consequences.
Ethiopia, however, maintains that the dam can provide major benefits without significantly harming downstream countries and has defended its right to develop its natural resources.
Diplomatic efforts continue, but previous negotiations have repeatedly stalled over issues including water-sharing arrangements, drought management and mechanisms for resolving future disputes.
Trump’s planned discussions with Sisi signal renewed attention to the issue at a time when regional governments are seeking greater stability and cooperation on economic and resource challenges.
The outcome of any discussions remains uncertain, but Egypt is expected to continue pressing for international support in securing an agreement it considers protective of its water security interests.
