U.S. pledges to assist Ethiopia, Eritrea build ties after peace accord

The U. S. is offering its support for rival nations Ethiopia and Eritrea to build closer ties following Monday’s signing of an agreement ending two decades of conflict, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Tuesday.

“The United States stands ready to support this process, and encourages all parties to continue working with transparency and confidence in the coming days,’’ Pompeo said.

According to Pompeo, the normalisation of relations and the adoption of the Joint Declaration of Peace and Friendship will provide an opportunity to focus on shared aspirations for closer political, economic and social ties.

Abiy Ahmed signed an agreement with Eritrean President Isaias Afkwerki on Monday, formally declaring the 20-year-old  “state of war” between the neighbouring states was over.

The historic reconciliation could transform politics and security in the volatile Horn region, which hundreds of thousands of young people have fled in recent years in search of safety and opportunities in Europe.

On Monday, the leaders of both countries announced they were ending the costly “state of war” that has reigned since fighting stopped in 2000.

Diplomatic relations were never restored because the sides could not agree how to implement a peace deal.

After meeting and embracing in Asmara on Sunday, Ahmed and Afewerki told their peoples they were choosing love and forgiveness over hatred and violence.

By Tuesday morning, people in Addis Ababa were frantically trying to phone their relatives in Eritrea. (Sputnik/NAN)

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