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‘Natural gas to play pivotal role in UAE’s economic growth’

Natural gas is set to play a pivotal role in powering economic growth in the UAE over the next 50 years…reports Asian Lite News

Natural gas is set to play a pivotal role in powering economic growth in the UAE over the next 50 years, according to Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Managing Director and Group CEO of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC).

Delivering the opening address of Gastech 2021, Dr. Al Jaber highlighted the UAE’s leadership in natural gas and said “natural gas will support the nation’s vision for economic growth as set out by the Leadership in the ‘Principles of the Fifty’.”

UAE flag

“The Principles of the Fifty is a mandate for progress driven by 10 guiding principles aimed at making the UAE the most dynamic economy in the world. Gas will play a pivotal role in this blueprint for growth, as the essential fuel stock for our downstream hub in Ruwais and our industrial joint venture, TA’ZIZ,” Dr. Al Jaber said.

Speaking virtually, he explained that the UAE is strengthening its position as a regional leader in natural gas and the emerging blue Hydrogen market. He attributed this leadership position to the foresight of the Founding Founder of the UAE, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who recognised the enormous potential natural gas offered and the need to balance economic growth with environmental protection.

ALSO READ: UAE outperforms major tourist spots in hotel occupancy

“Our Founding Father Sheikh Zayed’s commitment to the environment and truly sustainable development was the key driver. In 1973, at his direction, ADNOC stopped burning the associated gas from all its operations, and instead captured it and shipped it.

“In short,” Dr. Al Jaber added, “we turned an environmental liability into a commercial opportunity. From that moment, when it came to gas, we never looked back. For almost fifty years the UAE has viewed gas in all its forms as one big opportunity, and we’ve built our gas business on a number of firsts.”

He pointed out that the country was the first in the region to stop flaring and find economic uses for gas, the first to build a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) plant, the first to produce ultra-sour gas at an industrial scale, and the first to store carbon dioxide and use it in Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) to liberate more gas.

The UAE is on track to achieve gas self-sufficiency as ADNOC leverages advanced technologies to expand into unconventional gas, tap into gas caps and unlock new reservoirs, as part of the company’s integrated gas strategy launched in 2018.

“At the heart of this goal, is the expansion of our producing assets, like Shah and the development of new ones, like the unique Umm Shaif gas cap and the Hail, Ghasha and Dalma project,” Dr. Al Jaber stated, as he provided an update on ADNOC’s progress.

“Construction of artificial islands is underway and we are leveraging our experience in world-class developments to ensure costs are minimized and commercial benefits maximized for all our partners. Together, these projects will deliver over 3 billion standard cubic feet of gas per day, enough to power several million homes.”

‘Natural gas to play pivotal role in UAE’s economic growth’

He went on to share his perspectives on natural gas markets and the role natural gas will play in the energy transition.

“As the world consolidates its recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, LNG and broader gas markets globally are tightening, with demand outpacing supply. Longer-term, the outlook is also robust, driven particularly by markets in Asia. Today, gas provides almost one-quarter of the world’s energy supply and will continue to play a critical role in the global energy system. No other fuel source can reliably supply the baseload power to heat and cool homes, drive heavy industry and expand economies, all while keeping emissions at a minimum.”

Dr. Al Jaber added that as innovations are helping to make gas even cleaner and more sustainable, the UAE is applying technology to create zero-carbon fuels from gas such as Hydrogen. “Already at ADNOC, we produce about 300,000 tons of hydrogen a year. By leveraging our existing gas infrastructure and commercial-scale CCUS capabilities, the UAE can and will become a major player in the emerging blue hydrogen market.”

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-Top News Dubai News

Expo symbolises hopes of youth: UAE envoy to UK

Youth will be able to explore the best inspiring innovations in all areas, including sustainable agriculture, artificial intelligence and robotics…reports Asian Lite News

Expo 2020 Dubai symbolises the hopes and aspirations of youth throughout the world and represents an inspiring platform for connecting minds and reinforcing international cooperation, Mansour Abdullah Khalfan Belhoul, UAE Ambassador to the UK, has said.

In an interview with WAM, Belhoul stressed that hosting the Expo with the return to normalcy highlights the UAE’s cooperation with international partners in drafting the goals of the future, with a focus on overall sustainability, health and safety.

Mansour Abdullah Khalfan Belhoul

The bilateral ties between the UAE and the UK are witnessing progress in all areas, most notably in investment, trade, health, energy, education, space, food security and technology, he added.

It has been noted that the design of the British Pavilion at the Expo was inspired by the “Breakthrough Message” project of the late Stephen Hawking and will invite visitors from around the world to think deeply about the important message of expressing ourselves as one planet, he added.

The pavilion, which is located in the Opportunities Area, under the slogan, “Innovation for a Shared Future,” aims to showcase the scope of the UK’s cooperation with other countries in creating solutions to global issues.

ALSO READ: China expects 2mn visitors at its Expo Pavilion

On the role of the event in encouraging collective action, Belhoul highlighted the fact the Expo will host 200 participants from 192 countries, as well as many multilateral organisations, companies and educational establishments.

He noted that the post-COVID-19 era will impose a range of economic, development and cultural challenges that must be solved with international partners, noting some of these challenges are in line with the Expo’s pillars, which include opportunities, transport and sustainability.

On the Expo’s international role in promoting the values of tolerance, coexistence and human fraternity, he affirmed that tolerance, coexistence and peace are values instilled in the Emirati community, which the country is keen to promote through interactions and collective work.

“As with the Emirates Mars Mission and the Hope Probe, Expo 2020 Dubai is the symbol of youths’ aspirations and their hopes for the future,” Belhoul said, stating its educational programme and the schools programme will witness a series of tours for school students from high schools and universities in the UAE and throughout the world.

Youth will be able to explore the best inspiring innovations in all areas, including sustainable agriculture, artificial intelligence and robotics, he added.

Speaking about climate change, which is a key pillar of Expo 2020 Dubai, he said climate change is a key challenge that requires a unified global response based on innovation, cooperation and inspiration, explaining that the UAE plays a pivotal role in this regard and has implemented many leading initiatives in the field of sustainability, such as hosting the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), organising Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, building the largest solar power plant in the world, and developing Masdar City.

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News World World News

2022 Kia Carnival wins TOP SAFETY PICK

The 2022 Carnival is the 10th Kia vehicle in 2021 to earn a TOP SAFETY PICK or higher…reports Asian Lite News

The 2022 Kia Carnival MPV has been awarded the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) TOP SAFETY PICK (TSP) rating just months after the vehicle’s introduction with a new name to the Kia lineup. The designation applies to the Carnival when equipped with LED projector headlights and built after March 2021. The Carnival earned ratings of ‘good’ in all six IIHS crashworthiness evaluations, including the driver-side small overlap front, passenger-side small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraint tests.

Carnival – Outdoor Exterior Side

The Carnival stakes its claim between SUV and family hauler, with a bold and boxy SUV-like design, best-in-class cargo room1 and more dynamic performance with a powerful 3.5-liter V6 engine. The Carnival raises the bar for what a MPV can be with 12 standard Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS)2  features including Forward Collision Avoidance-Assist, Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance-Assist, Parking Distance Warning-Reverse and High Beam Assist.

ALSO READ: Kia360 reopens in Seoul

Yaser Shabsogh, Chief Operating Officer, Regional HQs, Middle East & Africa commented: “It is a great honor to receive the 2021 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK for the 2022 Kia Carnival as the award recognizes Kia’s commitment to safety. The 2022 Kia Carnival presents a new concept created as result of the latest technology to satisfy the needs of customers’ safety.”

Carnival – Outdoor Exterior Rear

The Carnival is the eighth Kia vehicle to earn a TSP rating, following the 2021 Soul, Forte, Seltos (built after August 2020), Stinger, Sportage, Sorento and Telluride (all when equipped with optional front crash prevention and specific headlights). The 2022 Stinger and 2021 K5 (built after November 2020) have both been awarded the TSP+ rating, bringing the brand to 10 total awards and a three-way tie for the second highest in the industry.  

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News World World News

Israeli security forces capture last ‘two terrorists’ who escaped from prison

The prisoners were captured in the eastern district of Jenin city on the night from Saturday to Sunday…reports Asian Lite news

The last two of a total of six Palestinian inmates who had escaped from the Gilboa prison in Israel have been caught by security forces, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said.

“In a joint operation with the ISA [Israel Securities Authority], @IsraelPolice and the IDF, the remaining 2 terrorists who escaped from ‘Gilbo’a Prison’were captured. Both terrorists surrendered after being surrounded by security forces that acted precisely based on accurate intelligence,” the IDF said on Twitter.

Israeli security forces capture last ‘two terrorists’ who escaped from prison

The prisoners were captured in the eastern district of Jenin city on the night from Saturday to Sunday.

At the start of September, six Palestinian prisoners escaped from the Gilboa high-security prison in northern Israel, which is located less than 6 kilometres (3.7 miles) from the West Bank. Among the fugitives was Zakaria Zubeidi, one of the leaders of the Al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigades, a coalition of Palestinian armed groups designated as a terrorist organization in several counties worldwide, including Israel.

ALSO READ: TTP rejects Qureshi’s amnesty offer

Israeli news media reported that the inmates escaped through a tunnel they dug from a cell into the prison’s drainage system.

Zubeidi and three other prisoners were caught at the end of last week.

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Health News UAE News

Ministry of Health takes part in G20 Health Ministers’ Meeting

The UAE, represented by the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP), has taken part in the G20 Health Ministers’ Meeting, which witnessed the participation of several ministers and officials of the health sector…reports Asian Lite News

The UAE’s delegation was led by His Excellency AbdulRahman bin Mohamed Al Owais, Minister of Health and Prevention, HE Dr. Youssef Mohammed Al Serkal, Director-General, Emirates Health Services, and H.E. Nasser Al Bdour, Assistant Undersecretary and Office Manager of the Minister, also took part in the meeting along with members from G20 member states, representatives from the concerned international organizations, and the states invited to participate in the event.

The meeting concluded that the G20 countries are determined to surmount the Covid-19 pandemic no matter what, accelerate progress in the health-related sustainable development goals, and ensure that the world is prepared to confront, detect and respond to any future health emergencies.

His Excellency AbdulRahman bin Mohamed Al Owais

The participants agreed to spare no effort to enhance global health security and share the G20 experiences as widely as possible, to ensure the adoption of an approach that strengthens the health systems capabilities in order to recover from the pandemic effects.

Pandemic management

The participating delegations stressed the need to invest in healthcare sector in order to achieve and sustain universal health coverage, and promote a strong, comprehensive and accessible primary health care system for all, highlighting the importance of mental health services, especially in times of health emergency.

ALSO READ: UAE, UK Ink Landmark Deal To Tackle Illicit Financial Flows

They also affirmed their willingness to work hand in hand to ensure full implementation, monitoring, compliance and better support of the International Health Regulations, in addition to investing in developing and improving early warning of potential outbreaks, intensifying research initiatives and strengthening risk assessment approaches.

Mental health principles and recommendations

On the sidelines of the ministerial meeting, a session on mental health was also held, which dealt with the implications of Covid-19 for the mental health of individuals worldwide, as well as its impact on sustainable development goals (SDG).

The principles and recommendations emphasized the importance of adopting a whole-of-society approach to mental health in time of Covid-19, protecting the mental health of frontline workers in the health and social care field, and adopting mental health approach based on innovative solutions and digital environments.

Backing international efforts

ABDULRAHMAN BIN MOHAMED AL OWAIS, HEALTH MINISTER: “The UAE’s participation in G20 Health Ministers’ meeting comes as part of the wise leadership’s vision to support global efforts, strengthen joint cooperation, coordination and exchange experiences between the participating countries to confront the Covid-19 pandemic. It also aims to empower and support health systems worldwide to deal with health emergencies efficiently and achieve sustainable development goals (SDG) in the health care area. 

Al Owais pointed out the UAE has participated in all meetings held and has put forward a number of initiatives and views, which contribute to strengthening international cooperation to take coordinated measures to overcome the repercussions of the pandemic.

This stems from the UAE’s firm belief in the importance of combining efforts and embracing a multilateral approach to address global issues, an approach that the UAE is keen to consolidate now more than ever, Al Owais said.

Al Owais hailed the fruitful results of the discussions of the reports submitted by the participating countries and the recommendations made according to them, which contribute to strengthening joint international action to contain the repercussions of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Al Owais said that the UAE has demonstrated exceptional capabilities in managing and governing the pandemic as an exemplary model. All credit goes to the efficiency of the state’s preventive health system, its proactiveness in taking wise measures, the implementation of the national resilience in all sectors, and the leadership in providing vaccines.

All these elements have contributed to preserving the national gains and enhancing confidence and optimism for the end of the pandemic and entering the recovery stage.

Pioneering experience

The minister of health indicated that the high-level meetings that brought together the G20 members reflect the seriousness and commitment to intensifying joint and effective frameworks to counter the repercussions of the pandemic on the comprehensive development.

He stressed that the UAE is moving steadily and confidently towards the recovery from the pandemic, thanks to guidance and support of the wise leadership, the efficiency of the country’s health system, and the effective and integrated strategy in preserving the state’s gains at all levels, within a participatory national framework among various state institutions.

The UAE has so far vaccinated more than 87 percent of the total eligible population free of charge, which reflects the efforts exerted to protect community members, he added.

Al Owais stressed that The UAE is eager to continue its humanitarian journey which knows no boundaries in support of peoples all over the world, noting that the country leads the Hope Consortium with the aim to oversee the safe distribution of billions of doses of the “Covid-19” vaccine worldwide.

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News World World News

Palestine condemns Israeli opposition to 2-state solution

Palestine has condemned the current Israeli government’s position of rejecting the two-state solution…reports Asian Lite News

Palestine has condemned the current Israeli government’s position of rejecting the two-state solution and its attempts to undermine any opportunity to establish a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The Palestinian Foreign Ministry said in a statement that the position of Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and Finance Minister Avigdor Lieberman “is part of the unilateral Israeli measures that aim at liquidating the Palestinian cause”.

Palestine condemns Israeli opposition to 2-state solution

The statement added that the Israeli officials blame the Palestinian leadership under false pretexts “to hide their ambitions of expanding settlements on the lands of the state of Palestine”.

Accusing Bennett of being “an enemy of peace”, the statement said that “he (Bennett) represents the stances of the settlers, their councils, and their organisations, which lead to incitement campaigns against the Palestinian people”.

“The Israeli incitement is a political war and an aggression against the Palestinian people, against their legitimate rights and against their leadership,” it said, adding that “this policy will have an impact on the process of solving the conflict”.

ALSO READ: ‘UAE-Israel trade reach $523.2 mn in H1’

It called on the UN Security Council and the International Quartet, which comprises Russia, the US, the European Union and the UN, “to bear their legal and moral responsibilities towards the percussion of the Israeli political stances”.

Direct peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians, which were sponsored by the US and lasted for nine months, stopped in 2014 following deep disagreements on Israeli settlement and the recognition of establishing a Palestinian state on the 1967 border.

Israel occupied the West Bank and East Jerusalem, which are claimed by the Palestinians, in the 1967 Middle East war and has controlled them ever since.

The Jewish settlements are considered a violation of international law by most of the international community.

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Arab News Films News

The Range Rover Sport SVR in action

The Range Rover Sport SVR goes off-road to pursue James Bond in the latest behind-the-scenes glimpse of No Time To Die, in cinemas from September 30 and 07 October 2021 in the United Arab Emirates…reports Asian Lite News

The action vehicles and stunt professionals on the new James Bond film pushed the most powerful Land Rover ever made to extremes. A new video gives a taste of the high-speed action as the team explain why Range Rover SVR was perfect for the job.

The chase sequence puts the luxury performance SUV in the midst of the action, led by Oscar®-winning special effects and action vehicles supervisor Chris Corbould and stunt coordinator Lee Morrison.

RRS_SVR_Bond_NTTD_140921_01_EON COPYRIGHT

Lee Morrison, stunt co-ordinator, said: “I was really keen to shoot a Bond chase sequence off-road, in a really challenging environment and the Range Rover Sport SVR was the perfect choice for this part of the story. We shoot everything for real so we’ve pushed it to the absolute maximum and the pursuit promises to be one of the memorable set-piece moments of the film.”

The Range Rover Sport SVR takes luxury performance to new heights with enhanced driving dynamics and a powerful 575PS supercharged V8 engine, making it the perfect choice for the role. It can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 4.5 seconds (0-60mph in 4.3 seconds) and has a top speed of 283km/h (176mph), making it the fastest ever Land Rover.

ALSO READ: The latest model of Land Rover inspired by ‘No Time To Die’

The SVRs used in No Time To Die feature the same specially tuned suspension as production models – devised by engineers at Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations to deliver more responsive handling and tighter body control without compromising comfort.

The pair of Eiger Grey models are fitted with Narvik Black 22-inch alloy wheels and the optional Carbon Pack, which includes Gloss Carbon Fibre front fender vents, lower bumper intakes, grille and mirrors. The optional lightweight SVR Carbon Fibre vented bonnet features a body coloured finish in No Time To Die, but can also be specified with an exposed carbon fibre centre section.

Customers can now replicate the No Time To Die specification with one click using the online configurator.

FINBAR MCFALL, LAND ROVER BRAND AND JAGUAR AND LAND ROVER MARKETING OPERATIONS DIRECTOR: “The Range Rover Sport SVRs in No Time To Die strike a unique mix of stealth and performance. Now you can replicate this combination and celebrate the release of the 25th Bond film with a single click on the Land Rover configurator.”

The Range Rover, the original luxury SUV, made its world premiere in 1970. Since then the family has grown to include the Range Rover Sport, Evoque and Velar. No Time To Die will also feature a Range Rover Classic alongside three Defenders and a Series III Land Rover.

RRS_SVR_Bond_NTTD_ND_140921_03_EON COPYRIGHT

Land Rover has a long-standing partnership with EON Productions and James Bond films, which began in 1983 when a Range Rover Convertible appeared in Octopussy. Most recently, in 2015 the Range Rover Sport starred in major action sequences in SPECTRE.

No Time To Die is directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga and stars Daniel Craig, who returns for the fifth and final time as Ian Fleming’s James Bond 007. The film will be released in cinemas from September 30 2021 in the UK through Universal Pictures International and in the US on October 8 2021, from Metro Goldwyn Mayer (MGM) through their United Artists Releasing banner and on 07 October 2021 in the United Arab Emirates.

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News Saudi Arabia World

Najran Chamber of Commerce and Industry to receive exclusive services

VFS Global services are expected to launch at the Chamber’s premises by October 2021…reports Asian Lite News

VFS Global has announced that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed with the Najran Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the city of Najran, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) to provide end-to-end visa and passport services. Moving forward, the Chamber’s members and employees will benefit from the availability of these services on its premises, providing ease, convenience and ensuring they do not have to visit a Visa Application Centre.

Mr. Mohaimeed Saleh Al Salem, Chairman of the Najran Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Mr. Sumanth Kapoor, Regional Head – KSA, Bahrain and Oman, VFS Global, signed the MoU on 07 September 2021 at the Chamber’s headquarters.

Mr. Mohaimeed Saleh Al Salem, Chairman of the Najran Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Mr. Sumanth Kapoor, Regional Head – KSA, Bahrain and Oman, VFS Global

“We are proud to partner with VFS Global to provide unmatched convenience to our members and employees for their visa and passport requirements. Through this joint initiative, we offer Indian and Philippine residents an additional avenue to renew their passports. Furthermore, the revolutionary doorstep visa service will provide much relief to people living in Najran as they can now apply for a visa in comfort at a preferred location.” said Mr. Mohaimeed Saleh Al Salem, Chairman of the Najran Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

VFS Global services are expected to launch at the Chamber’s premises by October 2021. Following services will be available to customers from Sunday to Thursday between 09.00 am and 03.00 pm.

  1. Indian passport renewal – application form filling assistance, form submission and collection of renewed passport
  1. Indian passport renewal – application form filling assistance, form submission and collection of renewed passport
  1. Indian passport renewal – application form filling assistance, form submission and collection of renewed passport

VFS Global provides a range of optional services, including travel insurance, COVID-19 test booking and document scanning.

ALSO READ: Saudi ministers approve new law to protect personal data

“The need to receive services ‘at your doorstep’, irrespective of location or time, is very crucial in today’s world. Our doorstep visa service offering is of immense benefit to those who reside in cities away from the existing centres and spend time travelling to the nearest centre. Our partnership with Najran Chambers will bring ease and convenience to customers living in the Najran Province,” added Sumanth Kapoor, Regional Head – KSA & Bahrain, VFS Global.

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News Sharjah UAE News

Sharjah explores new synergies with Belgium’s creative industries

Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Government Relations (DGR) in Sharjah, has recently concluded a key exchange with HE Peter Claes, Ambassador of Belgium to the UAE, on ways to strengthen Sharjah–Belgium cooperation in a variety of emerging sectors, particularly in the creative industries, which have been flourishing in the emirate…reports Asian Lite News

The meeting was also attended by Sheikh Majid Al Qasimi, Director of DGR, where both parties explored new avenues of collaboration, which have opened following the launch of several development projects in Sharjah’s picturesque eastern enclave of Khorfakkan, which presents new and exciting opportunities for Belgian businesses, most notably in the tourism, retail and hospitality sectors.

Sharjah explores new synergies with Belgium’s creative industries

During the meeting, Sheikh Fahim underlined Sharjah’s enthusiasm for organising orientation tours for Belgian delegations to help them explore the myraid opportunities the emirate offers across the sectors of culture, art, education, trade, investment innovation, the environment, and more.

ALSO READ: Sharjah’s trade mission to Russia concludes

“Sharjah and Belgium share a long-standing friendship. And here in our emirate, we believe that nations do not achieve comprehensive development in isolation. Global collaboration, cooperation and exchange bring out every city’s fullest potential, which is why we consider this visit by HE Claes as an exciting opportunity to usher in a new phase of cooperation between Sharjah and Belgian cities, particularly in sectors with potential for sustainable and mutual gains,” said the DGR Chairman.

Sharjah explores new synergies with Belgium’s creative industries

For his part, HE Peter Claes lauded DGR’s proactive efforts to host the meeting, and stressed that the discussion’s action-oriented conclusions would pave the way for a new era of cooperation between the two sides in a variety of key sectors – both existing and emerging. He added that Sharjah had particularly impressive opportunities in the creative industries, the environment, tourism and logistics services.

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News World World News

UN Seeks Talks To Settle Nile Dam Issue

The UN Security Council has encouraged Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan to resume negotiations on the disputed Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam on the Nile River…reports Asian Lite News

In a presidential statement, the Council encouraged the three stakeholders to resume talks at the invitation of the chairperson of the African Union (AU) to finalize expeditiously the text of mutually acceptable and binding agreement on the filling and operation of the dam, “within a reasonable time frame”, reports Xinhua news agency

The Security Council called on the three countries to take forward the AU-led negotiation process in a constructive and cooperative manner.

Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam on the Nile River

It also encouraged observers that have been invited to attend the AU-led negotiations and any other observers that the three countries may consensually decide to jointly invite, to continue supporting the negotiations with a view to facilitating the resolution of outstanding technical and legal issues.

It underscored that this statement does not set out any principles or precedent in any other transboundary water disputes.

Despite countless tripartite negotiations among experts, ministers and leaders of the three African countries, they are yet to reach a trilateral agreement regarding the project.

ALSO READ: Food Shortage Dogs South Sudan

Ethiopia reiterates that the dam will power its development aspirations, and boost its aspirations to attain the middle-income status by 2025.

Meanwhile, Egypt and Sudan frequently express their concern that the dam would affect their share of the river waters.

Rising from Lake Tana some 570-km north of Ethiopia’s capital Addis Ababa, the Blue Nile or Abay River is one of the two principal headwaters of the world’s longest river.