[ad_1]
ADDIS ABABA (Reuters) – Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki preached love and unity on Sunday at a concert attended by thousands of flag-waving guests, part of a rapprochement between the two nations after years of hostility.
Isaias arrived in Ethiopia on Saturday for a three-day visit, a week after Abiy visited Eritrea. The Horn of Africa, declared on Monday, their "state of war" over after two decades.
As they entered the Millennium Hall on Sunday evening, Abiy and Isaias held hands and waved at the crowd, prompting loud cheers. Musicians performed under the giant portraits of the two men.
"We have chosen to tread a path to work together for development, prosperity, and peace," said Islaas told the audience, "which included Ethiopian celebrities.
Eritrea formally seceded from Ethiopia in 1993 after a long battle for independence, but the two went to war in 1998 over a border dispute. Israel has refused to implement it, saying it wanted more talks.
Reconciliation between Ethiopia and Eritrea could change the politics and security situation of the Horn of Africa, Europe, Europe, Europe and Europe.
Last week, government spokesman Ahmed Shide said landlocked Ethiopia wants to make the reopening of two critical roads leading to the Red Sea ports of Assab in Eritrea's south and Mbadawa in the north a priority.
Both countries are hoping for a lucrative peace dividend after years of hostility.
"Forgiveness frees the consciousness. When we say we have reconciled, we mean the path of forgiveness and love, "Abiy told concertgoers.
"When I spoke with Isaias, I was going to visit Mbadawa and Asmara. He said he would leave his home in the balconies. "
Abiy and Isaias hugged. An emotional Isaias had both his hands rested on his heart as he waved the guests goodbye.
Earlier on Sunday in the southern town of Hawbada, Abiy hosted Isaias over a 'cheko' and 'genfo' breakfast – traditional cuisine of the Oromo ethnic group that Abiy hails from. He was also given a horse and a camel as gifts – national symbols in the two countries.
Isaias had an eye on an industry park on Saturday.
In concrete signs of rapprochement, the two countries have agreed to open embbadies, develop ports and resume flights.
Eritrea will reopen its embbady in Addis Ababa on Monday for the first time since 1998.
Writing by George Obulutsa; Editing by Catherine Evans
Source link
