Egypt goes on diplomatic offensive to build Arab support for its GERD position: Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry travelled to Jordan and Iraq yesterday for high-level talks as part of a regional tour aimed at reinforcing regional support amid escalating tensions with Ethiopia over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). Iraqi President Barham Salih and Jordanian King Abdullah both expressed support for Egypt’s efforts to protect its water rights during the meetings, the Foreign Ministry said in a series of statements. Shoukry is due to visit Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain in the coming days.