The Executive Director of the Nile Basin Initiative (NBI) Dr. Wael Khairy has appealed to the European Commission to help Nile basic states implement projects they have identified for the good of their peoples.

He says although the NBI countries are working together, they still need help to be more united and jointly pursue development projects in countries benefiting from the River Nile.

Dr. Khairy was speaking while meeting a delegation from the European Commission at the NBI offices in Entebbe. The delegation consisted of Ms. Heike Schneider, International Relations Officer, and Mr. Bernard Crabbe, Second Secretary and Head of Agriculture and Rural Development both at the European Commission.

Dr. Khairy meeting the European Commission team

Dr. Khairy said although six countries so far have signed the Cooperative Framework Agreement on the Nile which details a new order on how countries are to utilise the resources of the Nile, there are some concerns among partner states that may hamper unity and equitable utilization of River Nile.

He thanked the EC for their Trust Fund which supports NBI projects but appealed to them to provide further assistance to the NBI in finance and technical forms.

According to a press statement from NBI, during the same meeting, Dr. Canisius Kanangire, Head of Strategic Planning and Management, told the delegates about some of the initiatives undertaken so far within the NBI to sustain the investment programs and projects in the future.

Ultimate Media