UAE welcomes leaders from Ethiopia and Eritrea

The UAE welcomed the leaders of former African rival nations Ethiopia and Eritrea on Tuesday, as part of a tripartite summit in Abu Dhabi.

Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed met with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki at the Presidential Palace in the UAE capital.

The two leaders were also honoured with Order of Zayed in recognition of their work for peace between the two nations.

Mohamed bin Zayed presents the Order of Zayed, conferred to the President of Eritrea and Prime Minister of Ethiopia in recognition of their work for peace between the two nations. pic.twitter.com/LyAAl3ushm

— محمد بن زايد (@MohamedBinZayed) July 24, 2018

Ethiopia and Eritrea entered into a historic peace agreement earlier this month after remaining at war for years.

“The bold & historic step taken by the leaders of the two neighbouring countries to end the conflict and open new horizons for cooperation and joint coordination is a model that can be followed in resolving conflicts around the world,” Sheikh Mohamed said on Twitter.

He also asserted that the UAE supports every effort aimed at achieving peace, security and stability across the world, official news agency WAM reported.

We are confident that this step will contribute to further cooperation & joint coordination between the neighbours & fulfil their people's aspirations for peace, development & prosperity, as well as enhance security & stability in the Horn of Africa & the wider region. pic.twitter.com/LQRnX9B2Tk

— محمد بن زايد (@MohamedBinZayed) July 24, 2018

During the tripartite summit, the leaders are expected to discuss about ways of strengthening investment and commercial ties.

The UAE and KSA are key supporters of any effort aimed at achieving peace, security and stability that serves the interests of the people of the region and enhances security. pic.twitter.com/c0UIW9jbzL

— محمد بن زايد (@MohamedBinZayed) July 24, 2018

Earlier this week, Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud hosted the Eritrean President in Jeddah, where they discussed bilateral relations.