Sisi convenes expanded meeting, says Ethiopia dam talks won't come at Egypt's expense

President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi met Tuesday with the cabinet, governors, military leaders and village mayors in the New Administrative Capital.

Sisi convened the meeting with Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, both cabinets, governors, military and police leaders, and village mayors.
Sisi said Egypt will give space to diplomacy and peaceful solutions on the Ethiopian dam issue, but not at the expense of Egypt's existence.
Sisi said Egypt lost about $20 billion in Suez Canal revenues in recent years due to regional instability.
Sisi said the Palestinian cause remains the central issue in the Middle East and the two-state solution is the only path to lasting stability.
Sisi said the Ethiopian dam was built following Egypt's weak state between 2011 and 2013.
Sisi said Egypt is working to increase its water resources through desalination and treatment projects.
Sisi linked rising oil and commodity prices to regional tensions at the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb.
Sisi said the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam was built as a result of the 2011–2013 events when the state was absent.
Sisi said recovery from the economic fallout of the 2011–2013 events could take up to 15 years.
Sisi ordered the Interior Ministry to rationalize vehicle licensing costs and improve services for citizens.
Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty said Egypt does not interfere in others' internal affairs and respects Ethiopia's right to development.
Abdelatty said Egypt holds no hostility toward Ethiopia and rejects unilateral policies that violate international law.