Ethiopia, Eritrea end 20-year war

Ethiopia and Eritrea have signed a “joint declaration of peace and friendship”, Eritrea’s information minister said today.

This brings to an end the war between the neighbouring states and encourages cooperation, in political, economic, social, cultural and security areas.

It also allows for trade and transport links to be resumed and for diplomatic ties to be activated once again.

Ethiopia’s new Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed yesterday became the first head of government to visit Eritrea, breaking away from the “no-peace, no-war” situation that has existed between the neighbouring countries for the past two decades.

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The two countries will jointly develop ports on Eritrea’s Red Sea coast, Ethiopia’s state broadcaster said today, the day after the leaders met and agreed to normalise relations after a 20-year military standoff.

“In their meeting, the leaders agreed to restore ties and resume flights by the carriers of both countries. In addition, they agreed to participate in the development of ports,” the state-owned Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation said.