Eritrea and Ethiopia Declare End of War - Signed Peace...

Eritrea and Ethiopia Declare End of War
- Signed Peace declaration
09 July 2018 - Eritrea and Ethiopia have signed a Joint Declaration of Peace and Friendship today.
The Agreement, which specifies five pillars, was signed this morning at State House by President Isaias Afwerki and Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.
According to Yemane G. Meskel, Eritrea's Information Minister, the 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.
iii) Transport, trade and telecommunication ties will be resumed; diplomatic ties & activities renewed;
iv) Border decision will be implemented;
v) Both countries will work together to guarantee regional peace, development & cooperation
Yesterday, Prime Minister Abiy said, "enough of war and news of imminent wars."
President Isaias on his part said, "the tumultuous welcome accorded to Prime Minister Abiy in Asmara underscores how much the people of Eritrea cherish peace."
Yesterday, direct phone connections restored for the first time, according to the Ethiopian chief of Staff of Prime Minister’s office Fitsum Arega.
He said, “for the first time after two decades, a direct international telephone connection between Ethiopia and Eritrea is restored today.”