WASHINGTON

President Donald Trump said Friday that the US was ready to restart mediation efforts between Egypt and Ethiopia over a long-running dispute on Nile River water sharing.

In a letter to Egypt's president, Trump thanked Abdel Fattah al-Sisi for his role in "successfully" mediating a ceasefire between Israel and the Palestinian group, Hamas.

"In the spirit of our personal friendship and America's commitment to peace and the well-being of Egypt's people, I am ready to restart U.S. mediation between Egypt and Ethiopia to responsibly resolve the question of 'The Nile Water Sharing' once and for all," Trump wrote in the letter.

He emphasized the "deep significance" of the Nile River to Egypt and said any agreement must safeguard the long-term water needs of the country, as well as Sudan and Ethiopia.

"The United States affirms that no state in this region should unilaterally control the precious resources of the Nile, and disadvantage its neighbors in the process," he added.

Egypt has been at odds with Ethiopia over a dam project built by Addis Ababa on the Blue Nile, a tributary of the Nile River, which Cairo fears will reduce its water share. Ethiopia says the dam is fundamental for its development.

According to the letter, the proposed US-led mediation would focus on technical expertise, "fair and transparent" negotiations, and an American role in monitoring and coordination between the parties.

"A successful approach will guarantee predictable water releases during droughts and prolonged dry years for Egypt and the Sudan, while allowing Ethiopia to generate very substantial amounts of electricity, perhaps some of which can be given, or sold, to Egypt and or the Sudan," he said.

Trump said resolving the tensions around the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) is at the "very top" of his agenda, saying the dispute should not escalate into military conflict between Egypt and Ethiopia.

The letter was also shared with regional leaders, including the presidents of Ethiopia and Sudan, and the crown prince of Saudi Arabia and the President of the United Arab Emirates.