Kampala — EGYPT has dismissed reports of a crisis between Nile Basin countries over the sharing of River Nile.

The Egyptian Ambassador to Uganda, Sabry Magdy Sabry, on Friday said his country was determined to ensure that the Nile Basin Initiative goals are achieved through more dialogue and cooperation.

He was speaking at a cocktail hosted at his residence in commemoration of the 58th anniversary of the Egyptian revolution.

The ambassador said there is no need for international arbitration. Foreign affairs minister Sam Kutesa represented the Government at the function, also attended by other government officials.

Currently, there is a deadlock between Egypt and Sudan on one side and the other Nile Basin countries over sharing of the water resource.

The 1929 agreement signed between Egypt, and Britain acting on behalf of its East African colonies, has created resentment among the other Nile states, which have called for changes to be made in the pact.

Egypt is, however, opposed to changing the agreements, saying it will not compromise its historic right or accept to reduce its water share.

Kutesa said the two countries were inseparably bound by River Nile, a vital lifeline to the people of both countries. He expressed hope that the concerned countries will resolve all outstanding issues for better management of the shared resource.

The minister also thanked the Egyptian government for supporting development programmes in the country. He also hailed private companies for the various investments.