Jean Asselborn Welcomes Agreement on Eritrea-Ethiopia Border in Talks in Asmara

Luxembourg Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Minister of Immigration and Asylum Jean Asselborn yesterday undertook a working visit to Asmara in Eritrea.

Upon his arrival, Jean Asselborn was received by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Eritrea Osman Saleh Mohammed at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before meeting with President Yemane Gebreab's Special Adviser. He also had an exchange of views with the accredited EU Ambassadors.

The Luxembourg Foreign Minister congratulated the Eritrean authorities for the historic reconciliation with Ethiopia, which, in addition to being mutually beneficial to both countries after 20 years of conflict, he believes to promote a positive dynamic for the whole region of the Horn of Africa.

The talks provided an in-depth discussion of the challenges that still need to be overcome to consolidate peace and cement the rapprochement between Eritrea and Ethiopia. In this context, Jean Asselborn welcomed the agreement reached on the border dispute as well as the restoration of direct airlines, the resumption of cross-border trade and the opening of crossings at the border. He also encouraged the Eritrean authorities to seize the opportunity to re-engage with the international community and regional multilateral bodies.

Reporting on his recent visit to the Hitsats refugee camp in the Ethiopian border region with Eritrea (Tigray Regional State), as well as his exchanges with Eritrean refugees in the camp, Jean Asselborn spoke about the internal situation in Eritrea, particularly with regard to the human rights situation. He expressed hope that reconciliation with Ethiopia could encourage the authorities of Eritrea to begin the necessary political and economic reforms.

Minister Asselborn similarly recalled the EU's readiness to support job creation and rehabilitation of transport corridors between Eritrean ports and Ethiopia. He stressed that economic development must go hand in hand with strengthening the rule of law and respect for human rights.

The discussions in Asmara finally provided an overview of regional developments, including Eritrea's relations with Sudan, South Sudan and Somalia.