In what looks like the first move of its kind since the two neighbouring countries fought a war two decades ago, the leaders of Ethiopia and Eritrea on Monday re-opened a border point between both countries for road transport.

According to a tweet by Eritrea’s Information Minister, Yemane Meskel, the leaders of both nations have officially opened the Debay Sima – Burre border point between the two countries to connect them by road.

“President Isaias Afwerki and Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed today officially opened the Debay Sima – Burre border point between the two countries for road transport connectivity.

“The two leaders will arrive in Asmara shortly and proceed to Serha – Zalambesa connection for a similar ceremony,” Meskel tweeted.

Earlier, both presidents visited their troops stationed at Bure, a region that witnessed some of the fiercest fighting during their 1998 to 2000 war.

Tensions over the border burned on after the fighting ended until Abiy offered to end the military standoff this year as part of a package of reforms that has reshaped the political landscape in the horn of Africa and beyond.