Eritrean, Ethiopian leaders hail UAE's role in ending conflict

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed with Isaias Afwerki, President of Eritrea; and Dr AbiyAhmed, Prime minister of Ethiopia, at the Presidential Palace in Abu Dhabi.

Eritrean and Ethiopian leaders have thanked the UAE and Saudi Arabia for their contribution in ending years of conflict between the two African countries. The UAE and Saudi Arabia "spared no effort" to help the two neighbouring countries reestablish good relations for the sake of their people and the wider region, the leaders said.
This came at the end of an official tripartite meeting in Abu Dhabi between His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces; Isaias Afwerki, President of Eritrea; and Dr Abiy Ahmed, Prime Minister of Ethiopia.
The meeting at the Presidential Palace came days after the two countries formally signed a peace agreement in the Eritrean capital Asmara.
The African leaders expressed appreciation for the wisdom of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia; and the contribution of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, in "sponsoring and pushing forward" the peace agreement.
The Abu Dhabi Crown Prince hailed the "bold and historic step" taken by the two leaders. "The UAE supports every effort aimed at achieving peace, security and stability across the world," Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed said.
He said the peace agreement would result in cooperation and coordination between the neighbours and help meet their citizens' aspirations for peace, development and prosperity. It would also enhance security and stability in the Horn of Africa and the wider region, he added.
Sheikh Mohamed said the neighbouring countries and their leaders had demonstrated the will and determination to normalise relations and overcome many years of conflict and instability. "This is a model that can inspire others and ought to be used to resolve conflicts in Africa and other parts of the world.
"The UAE is prepared to actively assist in the process of restoring peace, coexistence and development."
The UAE's relations with Ethiopia and Eritrea were marked by a common desire to usher in peace and prosperity, Sheikh Mohamed noted. He expressed confidence that the two leaders' visit "would pave the way for peace and friendship and benefit all".
Sheikh Mohamed affirmed that the UAE supports every effort aimed at achieving peace, security and stability across the world. Such efforts are vital to achieving comprehensive and sustainable development for all peoples globally, he added.
The Eritrean President and Ethiopian Prime Minister commended the UAE's "pioneering role" in sustaining peace and stability and promoting tolerance, intercultural dialogue and peaceful coexistence around the world.
The African leaders hailed, in particular, the UAE's role in establishing security and stability in the Horn of Africa region.
During the meeting, the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince conferred the Order of Zayed (First Class) to the two leaders in recognition of their efforts in ending the conflict.
At the end of the meeting, the three leaders issued a joint statement that stressed the "deep relationship" the UAE enjoys with Eritrea and Ethiopia.
The UAE affirmed its support for the peace agreement between the two countries in the interest of maintaining a proper relationship in a framework of good neighbourliness and respect for international laws and charters.
In their statement, the parties called on the international community to support the historic and constructive agreement to promote peace, stability and development.