An Ethiopian commercial ship docked in an Eritrean port on Wednesday, the first time in over two decades a vessel from either country has docked in the other’s port.
The arrival of the ship called “Mekelle” is the latest show of the resumption of diplomatic ties between the two nations.
Mekelle is expected to ferry Eritrean goods to China
Ethiopian and Eritrean leaders agreed in July to end the conflict that had put their two countries at loggerheads for over a decade. They resumed diplomatic ties and even opened embassies in Asmara and Addis Ababa to further boost cooperation.
Following the peaceful negotiations, Ethiopian Airlines begun flights to Asmara, and the two nations even agreed to stage a friendly football match.
The news of the arrival of the Ethiopian ship in Eritrea comes following an announcement that Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed had returned to Asmara for talks with Eritrea’s President Isaias Afwerki.
The two leaders are expected to hold discussions aimed at assessing and expediting the implementation of the agreements signed in July.
