Source: Xinhua| 2019-12-27 00:33:29|Editor: yhyVideo Player CloseADDIS ABABA, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- The Ethiopian and Eritrean leaders on Thursday vowed to cement recent gains in the rapprochement of bilateral ties as the two former arch-rivals seek to deepen socio-economic integration. Recent positive developments in the two countries' relations are considered a new beginning since the two countries' bloody border war from 1998-2000, which killed an estimated 70,000 people from both sides. Amid the easing tensions, telecom services between the two countries have resumed, embassies resumed diplomatic relations, and agreements were made to strengthen bilateral ties. The two countries' flag carriers - Ethiopian Airlines and Eritrean Airlines - have also started flights to Asmara and Addis Ababa, respectively. Leaders of the two countries had also agreed to increase the movement and amount of bilateral trade through Eritrea's port city of Assab to Ethiopia's Addis Ababa.

Source: Ethiopian News December 26, 2019 16:30 UTC