DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania  8 December 2009 — Nile Basin leaders praised ten years of cooperation under the Nile Basin Initiative (NBI) and made a strong appeal for continued collaboration as countries look to accelerate investments in power, agriculture, and water resource management. 
At a conference marking NBI’s 10th Anniversary, participants and stakeholders gathered at the Mlimani City Conference Centre to take stock of NBI’s achievements in bringing countries together, increasing cooperation, and providing a platform for dialogue and peace. Participants called for intensified efforts by the Nile Basin countries to build on the achievements and to create a permanent river basin organization so that the people of the region can reap further benefits of cooperation.

 

Opening the conference, H.E. Dr. Ali Mohamed Shein, Vice President of the United Republic of Tanzania said, “Ten years ago there was an atmosphere of mistrust, suspicion, and doubts. Today Nile basin countries are open to each other, ready and willing to interact and exchange information.  This is an achievement to be cherished, nourished, and nurtured by all.”