At the invitation of Prime Minister Dr Abiy Ahmed, Eritrean President Isaias Afeworki will arrive in Ethiopia on Saturday 14 July for a three days state visit, the latest step in an unprecedented diplomatic thaw between the former rivals that is ending one of Africa’s longest-running conflicts.
Eritrea’s information minister, Yemane Gebremeskel, confirmed the visit on Twitter, saying it will “add momentum to the joint march for peace and cooperation.” President Isaias last visited Ethiopia in 1996.
The visit will strengthen the friendship and ties between the two countries, according to the Office of the Prime Minister of Ethiopia.
“We thank HE President Isaias for honouring us with a visit & we welcome him warmly!” the Office said in a statement today.
PM Dr Abiy paid a two-day state visit to Eritrea last weekend.
Ethiopian Airlines also announced this week the finalization of preparations to resume daily flights to Asmara as of July 18, 2018, with the most technologically advanced commercial aircraft, the Boeing 787.
According to Office of the Prime Minister, all holders of Ethiopian and Eritrean passports can travel to each other countries and will be granted visa by the respective authorities upon arrival.
However, other nationalities need to secure a visa in advance.
