Addis Ababa: Ethiopia's Foreign Affairs Minister Taye Atske Selassie, at the 79th Session of the UN General Assembly, has announced that the Cooperative Framework Agreement (CFA) of the Nile River Basin is poised to enter into force with a required number of ratifications. CFA, the water convention and transboundary basin governance arrangements to the Nile Basin River has been ratified by many riparian countries. This development follows ratifications by Nile Basin States including Ethiopia, Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda, and Burundi- paving the way for the agreement to come into force sixty days after South Sudan deposits its ratification with the African Union, as stipulated in Article 42. 'The entry into force of this first ever Nile Basin wide treaty, the Cooperative Framework Agreement, will pave the way for sustained cooperation and shared growth across the entire river basin. Ethiopia along with its riparian sisterly countries will work towards the realization of the principles of the CFA and the full potential of the Nile River,' Foreign Minister Taye stated. Furthermore, the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) is generating electricity responding to the energy demands of Ethiopia and the eastern African region, the Minister indicated. Indicating that some countries have already sent instruments to the African Union (AU), Taye stressed the need for other countries that have ratified the CFA sending the document and for the AU taking action immediately. 'It is our sincere hope that the remaining riparian countries will join the CFA and play a constructive role in ensuring equitable and reasonable utilization of the Nile River,' he stated. Speaking of Ethiopian Green Legacy (EGI), the notable initiative of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, FM Taye said the initiative saw the planting of 40 billion seedlings within five years, increasing forest coverage from three to 24 percent. 'This stands as a substantial contribution to the absorption of greenhouse gas and a tangible measure against the adverse impact of climate change. Based on its long term emission government strategy, it appears also (the country) on the path to sustainable energy transformation by developing and transitioning to non fossil fuel energy sources. Such efforts must be supported by the full activation of the global commitment, especially through the provision of adequate climate financing.' Addressing the African Union that has designed Agenda 2063 as the blueprint for the continent's development, he said the agenda is being implemented in synchronization with the UN agenda 2030. However, Taye indicated that the fact that the SDGs are off track, mostly due to lack of financing, is a source of concern for Africa. He added the compounding debt crisis also requires an urgent and sustainable solution. Therefore, those member states with impact on proven financial institutions should make the necessary financial resources available, the Minister underlined. On its part, Ethiopia has been consistent in its effort to achieve these developmen t goals, he revealed. 'In parallel, with resolving complex security challenges through an African Union facilitated peace process, Ethiopia has redoubled its effort to forge peace and development,' Taye noted. Ethiopia is also making progress in poverty eradication and realizing people centered development adding that the East African nation introduces transformational shifts to its monitoring and economic policies and to advance digital infrastructure. 'We are confident our development path will bring about a great benefit to our people. We call on all actors in development finance to work with us with a sense of solidarity and cooperation to navigate the challenges of reform and attaining sustainable economic growth and development.' Source: Ethiopian News Agency