Moscow in tricky diplomatic foray as it takes lead role in Nile water mediation

Russia's President Vladimir Putin (left) meets with Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in Cairo, Egypt on December 11, 2017. PHOTO | REUTERS

In picking to mediate between Egypt and Ethiopia over the latest row over the filling up of the latter’s $4 billion Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), Russia has taken on what could be one of its trickiest diplomatic forays yet.

Despite Moscow being the prime mover of three globally sensitive peace negotiations in Syria, Serbia-Kosovo and Afghanistan, this will be its first foray into what is technically not a political or military showdown.