Ethiopia's Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn called for prioritizing cooperation with Egypt in order to achieve the best interest of both countries.

Desalegn reaffirmed his cabinet's commitment to cooperate regarding the Nile issue as long as Egypt recognises Ethiopia's fair share of the Nile water, the Middle East News Agency reported.

The Ethiopian parliament ratified a treaty stripping Egypt of its right to the lion's share of the Nile water on Thursday.

Last Monday, President Mohamed Mursi said he does not want war but will leave all options open.

This step prompted Ethiopia to declare it is ready to defend the $4.7 billion Renaissance Dam.

Six Nile Basin countries including Ethiopia have signed the treaty denying Egypt the right to object to building dams along the Nile River.