Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdilaty has declared that Cairo will no longer engage in negotiations with Ethiopia over the Grand Renaissance Dam, citing 13 years of fruitless dialogue.

Speaking to BBC Focus on Africa, Abdilaty said the long-running discussions had “not produced any solution” and warned that bilateral relations had “further deteriorated” since the dam’s inauguration. He urged the international community to take note of the growing tensions.

Despite the breakdown in talks, the foreign minister reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to safeguarding its water security under international law. “Since previous negotiations with Ethiopia yielded no results, there is no need to hold further talks,” he said, describing the dam as “illegal” and “an isolated step” in bilateral relations.

Abdilaty emphasised that international law requires transboundary rivers to be managed according to established principles to prevent harm. “International law clearly states that any transboundary river must be governed by these principles. It is necessary to ensure that the use of such rivers does not cause harm,” he said.

The remarks follow comments last month from President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, who said Egypt would “take all necessary measures” to protect its national interests and water security.