The presidents of Eritrea and Somalia have signed an agreement to restore their countries’ relations after years of animosity.
Yemane Meskel, Eritrea’s information minister, shared a joint statement on Twitter as Somalia’s President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed concluded an historic three-day visit to Eritrea. The countries have not had diplomatic ties for nearly 15 years.
“The two countries will establish diplomatic relations and exchange ambassadors,” read a “joint declaration on brotherly relations” signed in the capital, Asmara, by Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki and Mohamed.
After signing the agreement, Somali president called for the lifting of sanctions on Eritrea, imposed over the country’s alleged support for the al-Shabab armed group in Somalia.
“We urge all economic sanctions and embargo imposed on the people of Eritrea must be lifted so that the economic integration of the Horn of Africa region can be realised,” Mohamed said.
