PM Abiy says Ethiopia wants swift implementation of declaration with Eritrea

by Engidu Woldie
ESAT News (July 10, 2018)

Ethiopian Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed says his country wants to quickly embark on implementing details of declarations signed with Eritrea on Monday.

Abiy Ahmed and Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki signed a declaration in the Eritrean capital Asmara at the end of Ahmed’s landmark visit to the Red Sea nation, ending two decades of animosity and no war no peace stalemate.

“My government is keen to implement the terms we laid out in our joint Declaration so as to quickly make up for lost opportunities and create even better ones for our people. I sincerely hope and believe that the process we have started will continue with the same enthusiasm and energy as was evident during this summit,” Abiy Ahmed said in a letter to Isaias Afwerki.

The declaration signed by the two leaders announces the state of war between the two countries “has come to an end,” and “a new era of peace and friendship has been opened.”

The two countries have also agreed to implement the decision by the Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commission that was establish in 2000 to delimit and demarcate the border between the two countries. “The decision on the boundary between the two countries will be implemented,” the declaration between the two leaders reads.

The leaders also agreed to forge cooperation in the areas of politics, economy and security; while also resume transport, trade and communications.

The new developments in relations between the two countries is expected to decisively closes the chapter of animosity and bitterness, a result of a two year senseless border war between 1998 and 2000, and opens up a new one filled with optimism and peace.