UK government welcomes peace agreement

Harriett Baldwin, Minister of State for Africa at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, said in a statement: “In agreeing the Joint Declaration on 9^th July, Prime Minister Abiy and President Isaias have taken a momentous step towards building a lasting peace between Ethiopia and Eritrea. This historic agreement will mark the end of 20 years of conflict and greatly strengthen the political and economic ties that will benefit, not just the populations of both countries, but also enhance security and prosperity across the Horn of Africa.

The UK remains a steadfast partner to the region and stands ready to provide support to both parties as they work through the details necessary to implement the agreement. We call on other countries of the region and beyond to likewise, lend their support.”

…UN Security Council hails ‘historic and significant’ peace declaration

In a press statement, members of the UN Security Council commended the signing of the Joint Declaration by Ethiopia and Eritrea, and welcomed the commitment by both parties to resume diplomatic ties and open a new chapter of cooperation and partnership. They also took note of the five-point plan and welcomed the agreement to implement the decision by the Ethiopia-Eritrea Boundary Commission.

The members of the Security Council noted that this represents a historic and significant development with far-reaching positive consequences for the Horn of Africa and beyond.

The Council also “recognized the call in the Joint Declaration for solidarity and support and encouraged all actors to offer their support to the peace process” adding that members “stand ready to support Eritrea and Ethiopia in their implementation of the Joint Declaration.”

…AU welcomes Ethiopia-Eritrea reconciliation

In a statement, the Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union, Moussa Faki Mahamat, said he welcomed the Joint Declaration signed by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and President Isaias Afewerki and commended the two leaders for “choosing the courageous path of reconciliation, in the interest of their people, the region and Africa as a whole.”

The Chairperson of the Commission stressed that the ongoing normalization process between Eritrea and Ethiopia is a milestone in Africa’s efforts to silence the guns by 2020. This example is worthy of emulation by all parties to conflicts and crises in other parts of the continent, he said, adding that he looks forward to renewed efforts by all concerned with the view to overcoming protracted conflicts and defusing existing tensions.

The Chairperson reiterated the readiness of the African Union to assist Eritrea and Ethiopia in whatever way they deem appropriate, as they implement the process of normalizing their relations.

…European Union

The European Union (EU) also welcomed the signature of the joint declaration between Ethiopia and Eritrea.

“The signing of the Joint Declaration of Peace and Friendship represents an historic and courageous move by Eritrean President Isaias Afewerki and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed,” said Federica Mogherini, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Vice President of the EU Commission.

“Breaking a twenty-year-old deadlock in bilateral relations, it raises unprecedented prospects for reconciliation and paves the way for enhanced regional cooperation and stability in the Horn of Africa,” she added.

“The European Union stands ready to mobilize the support needed to consolidate the normalization of relations between Ethiopia and Eritrea, and to build on new opportunities for regional cooperation.”

…United States

The United States government also welcomed the commitment to peace.

In a press statement, Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo said, “We commend Prime Minister Abiy of Ethiopia and President Isaias of Eritrea for courageously leading their citizens towards peace, prosperity, and political reform. The normalization of relations and the adoption of the Joint Declaration of Peace and Friendship between Eritrea and Ethiopia will provide their peoples with the opportunity to focus on shared aspirations for closer political, economic, and social ties.

The United States stands ready to support this process, and encourages all parties to continue working with transparency and confidence in the coming days. Peace between Ethiopia and Eritrea will further the cause of stability, security, and development in the Horn of Africa and Red Sea.”