PM Abiy Arrives in Asmara for a State Visit

Addis Ababa ENA July 18/2019 Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed arrived in Asmara on Thursday for a two-day state visit as the two countries are expected to boost up their cooperation.

Eritrean President Issais Afeworki rolled out the red carpet for Prime Minister Abiy and his delegation for a two-day state visit as the two countries seek to further enhance regional cooperation.

Premier Abiy walked down a lengthy red carpet at Asmara international airport, where he was met with senior Eritrean government officials.

The two sides will discuss further enhancement of the all-rounded cooperation between the two countries as well as regional and other matters of mutual interest.

Prime Minister Abiy is expected to join Eritrean President Issaias in reviewing the achievements and in the development of the bilateral relationship over the past year and charting the course for its future development.

The Ethiopian delegation includes Finance Minister Ahmed Shide and Ethiopian Airlines CEO, Tewolde Gebremariam.

Ethiopia and Eritrea, through their respective leaders, agreed to end the 1998-2000 border conflict and two decades of tension beyond restoring diplomatic ties since last July.

Telephone connectivity restored, flights resumed and border-crossings were opened for months but unilaterally closed.