It's a further sign of the rapidly improving relations between the two countries, which fought a border war two decades ago and had been enemies ever since.

AFP

Mr Afewerki led Eritrea to independence from Ethiopia in 1993

Earlier this month Ethiopia said it would comply with a 2002 agreement and cede disputed land to its neighbour.

The surprise move by Mr Abiy led to senior Eritrean officials visiting Addis Ababa this week - something seen as unimaginable just weeks ago.