Ethiopia and Eritrea have officially declared the end of war since the Ethiopian-Eritrean war of 1998-2000 erupted 20 years ago. The news comes after Ethiopia recently announced it would "fully accept and implement" a peace agreement made with Eritrea in 2000.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed signed the peace declaration with Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki during a visit to Eritrea's capital, Asmara, on Sunday, July 8, for a summit designated to repair relations between the two countries, CNN reports.
As BBC reported, Eritrea's Information Minister Yemane Gebre Meskel shared on Twitter that the summit marked a "new era of peace [and] friendship."
"Both countries will work to promote close cooperation in political, economic, social, cultural [and] security areas," the tweet read in part.
Joint Declaration states, inter alia, i) State of war that existed between the two countries has come to an end. A new era of peace & friendship has been ushered; ii) Both countries will work to promote close cooperation in political, economic, social, cultural & security areas pic.twitter.com/B9arIZnsxa
— Yemane G. Meskel (@hawelti) July 9, 2018
Abiy's chief of staff, Fitsum Arega, wrote on Twitter that the two nations will resume "economic and diplomatic ties," as well as, work toward "regional peace," among other agreements.
1)State of war has come to an end;2)The 2 nations will forge close political,economic,social,cultural & security cooperation 3)Trade, economic&diplomatic ties will resume,4)The boundary decision will be implemented,5)Both nations will work on regional peace #Ethiopia
#Eritrea 2/2— Fitsum Arega (@fitsumaregaa) July 9, 2018
HE PM Dr Abiy after his discussion with HE President Isaias confirmed the normalization of Ethio-#Eritrea relations will start in earnest—flights will resume, utilization of the sea ports will start & the two countries will re-open embassies in each other’s capital. #Ethiopia
pic.twitter.com/QRufY07ZNF— Fitsum Arega (@fitsumaregaa) July 8, 2018
Abiy and Isaias shared hugs as the pair greeted each other after Abiy arrived in Eritrea.
According to the Associated Press, Abiy shared a message of love and unity for the border countries in comments to Eritrean state television.
"Now there is no border between Ethiopia and Eritrea, Abiy said according to the AP. "That border line has gone today with the display of a true love … love is greater than modern weapons like tanks and missiles. Love can win hearts, and we have seen a great deal of it today here in Asmara. From this time on, war is not an option for the people of Eritrea and Ethiopia. What we need now is love."
