The leaders of Ethiopia and Eritrea signed a “Joint declaration of peace and friendship” on Monday 9 July, a day after a historic summit marked a start to normalisation of ties between the former foes.
“The state of war between Ethiopia and Eritrea has come to an end,” the leaders said in a joint declaration. “A new era of peace and friendship has been opened.”
The Agreement, which specifies five pillars, was signed this morning at State House by President Isaias Afwerki and Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.
The Joint Declaration states, inter alia, that:
i) The State of war that existed between the two countries has come to an end. A new era of peace and friendship has been ushered;
ii) Both countries will work to promote close cooperation in political, economic, social, cultural and security areas.
iii) Transport, trade and telecommunication ties will be resumed; diplomatic ties and activities renewed;
iv) The border decision will be implemented;
v) Both countries will work together to guarantee regional peace, development and cooperation
“This move opens prospects for real, regional economic integration. Get the economic underpinnings of the region right and you get stability,” said Alex Rondos, the European Union’s special representative for the Horn of Africa.
“There are enormous potential complementarities between the two countries if the recent political advances are consolidated,” said Andrew Mold, who heads the East Africa office of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa.
