Ethiopia and Eritrea kiss and make up after 20-year enmity [Photos]

The Horn of Africa nations of Ethiopia and Eritrea had been at loggerheads since 1998 when a border war at Badme broke out. It, however, appears they have buried the hatchet and smoked the peace pipe.

For the first time in almost two decades, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed paid a historic state visit to Eritrea on Sunday where he met President Isaias Afwerki.

Update: PM #AbiyAhmed received a warm welcome upon arrival in #Asmara, #Eritrea. The PM is accompanied by the two powerful women in #Ethiopia: Muferiat Kemal & Keira Ibrahim, Speakers of Parliament & House of Federation, respectively, & FM Workneh Gebeyehu. Video @mahlet_mesfin pic.twitter.com/2vONk5QiFI

— Addis Standard (@addisstandard) July 8, 2018

The landmark visit saw both countries signing a joint declaration of peace and friendship.

Eritrea and Ethiopia have signed a Joint Declaration of Peace and Friendship today. The Agreement, which specifies five pillars, was signed this morning at State House by President Isaias Afwerki and Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed pic.twitter.com/ACSticSWpm

— Yemane G. Meskel (@hawelti) July 9, 2018

Previously impossible, reports indicate that Eritreans and Ethiopians are now able to make direct phone calls to each country. Prime Minister Abiy also confirmed both countries will resume flights, open their seaports as well as re-open embassies in each other’s capital.

HE PM Dr Abiy after his discussion with HE President Isaias confirmed the normalization of Ethio-#Eritrea relations will start in earnest—flights will resume, utilization of the sea ports will start & the two countries will re-open embassies in each other’s capital. #Ethiopia pic.twitter.com/QRufY07ZNF

— Fitsum Arega (@fitsumaregaa) July 8, 2018

Enjoy some photos of the historic visit:

Photo via @HizbawiM on Twitter

Photo via @HizbawiM on Twitter

Photo via @HizbawiM on Twitter

Photo via @HizbawiM on Twitter