Talks over Ethiopia's Nile dam row resume in Cairo

Negotiations over the controversial mega dam that Ethiopia is building on the Blue Nile river have resumed in the Egyptian capital, Cairo.

A statement by Ethiopia’s communications office confirmed the resumption of talks.

The $5bn (£3.9bn) hydroelectric dam has been at centre of diplomatic row for more than a decade between Ethiopia and the two downstream countries Egypt and Sudan.

Egypt and Sudan fear their essential water supplies are threatened by the dam.

Several rounds of negotiations had been held but attempts to ink a binding deal have not materialised.

In July, Ethiopian and Egyptian leaders met during which they agreed to return to talks.

Ethiopia says the dam is part of its efforts to electrify millions of households mostly in rural areas.