Thus, the Horn of Africa will become a secure and stable area and Eritrea and Ethiopia will become fertile grounds for huge investments. The strategy adopted by Saudi Arabia and the UAE in the Horn of Africa had commercial motivations, but it was also aimed at encouraging moderation by isolating Iran and containing the influence of Qatar. The role of Saudi Arabia was obvious, while the UAE had a tremendous role behind the scenes, facilitating meetings between Afwerki, Ahmad and UAE leaders on several occasions before and throughout the reconciliations. Charbal said it was in this context that the historic Jeddah Agreement could be best understood and the success achieved by Saudi Arabia and the UAE better appreciated. From the beginning, Abiy Ahmad considered prosperity to be the key to stability both at home and abroad.”

Source: Ethiopian News September 17, 2018 15:00 UTC