This archive report was first published on 5 May 2020.
Published on May 5, 2020, Eritrean President Isaias Afeworki's surprise visit to Ethiopia has ended weeks of speculation over his whereabouts and health.
On Sunday, President Afeworki arrived at Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa, accompanied by Foreign Minister Osman Saleh and Presidential Advisor Yemane Ghebreab. He was received by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.
The two leaders discussed bilateral ties and regional concerns of common interest. Ethiopian President Sahle-Work Zewde hosted a luncheon for the visiting Eritrean leader and his delegation at a public park in Addis Ababa.
President Zewde tweeted, 'It was a renewed pleasure to join our PM Abiy Ahmed Ali in welcoming President Isaias Afeworki who is on a two-day visit to Ethiopia. We hosted him in the stunning park coming up on Entoto Mountain, a truly amazing place to relax and unwind.'
The visit comes amid rumors that Isaias Afeworki had disappeared from public view for over two weeks. However, it has been reported that he has returned home from recent medical treatment in Saudi Arabia.
William Davison, International Crisis Group senior analyst for Ethiopia, said, 'After the latest bout of intensified rumours, President Isaias may have wanted to make a strong statement that not only was he in good health, but that he still maintains positive relations with Abiy and was still active in regional diplomacy.'
