The Ministry of Water and Energy says hydro diplomacy efforts over the past four years have delivered measurable results. Minister Habtamu Itefa said Ethiopia played a role in six countries signing the Cooperative Framework Agreement, calling it a clear departure from earlier arrangements. He added that talks continue with Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, South Sudan and Rwanda on related issues. He also said work is progressing to establish and operationalise a Nile River Basin Commission, including drafting procedures and preparing headquarters arrangements under Uganda’s coordination. The Minister noted that selected universities are conducting research on the Nile River and the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). He added that 81.2 million Ethiopians now have access to clean drinking water, stressing that expanding irrigation and dam infrastructure remains central to improving water access and strengthening food security.

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