White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan and Ethiopias deputy prime minister, Demeke Mekonnen, have discussed the importance of continued regional dialogue to resolve disputes related to the Grand Ethiopia Renaissance Dam (GERD). The giant Blue Nile hydroelectric project has raised concerns in Sudan and Egypt. Sullivan and Mekonnen discussed during a phone call “the importance of continued dialogue among regional leaders, with the support of the African Union, to peacefully resolve current disputes related to the al-Fashaga border and the Grand Ethiopia Renaissance Dam,” said the White House on Thursday. “Sullivan stressed that the United States is ready to help Ethiopia address the crisis, building on our longstanding bilateral partnership and friendship.” Sullivan also expressed US concerns over the crisis in the Tigray region in the call with Mekonnen, the White House said. The two "discussed critical steps to address the crisis, including expanded humanitarian access, cessation of hostilities, departure of foreign troops, and independent investigations into atrocities and human rights violations," it added.