Since last Monday, Ethiopian cultural delegation has been touring Eritrea for the first time after the two countries signed the peace agreement that ended the two decades of hostility in July 9th 2018 in Asmara .
In the same vein, Eritrean cultural delegation came to Ethiopia during last February and staged all the main traditional dances and songs of Eritrea along with the modern ones in various cities of Ethiopia. Yes, such cultural exchange will pave the way to nurture these two sisterly countries’ hard –earned peace and strengthen the new era of friendship and cooperation between Ethiopia and Eritrea.
No wonder why Ethiopia and Eritrea have special cultural and historical connections, these two countries have a lot in common across the Horn of Africa. By and large, they share the same language, heritage, religions and glorious past of ancient kingdoms.
Indeed, the peoples of both countries are good at hospitality that is why the delegations of both nations have received a warm welcome from people from all walks of life. Bearing in mind the values of cultural exchange, one must not forget that such musical performances have irreplaceable role in bringing people together and getting to know each other very well.
It is a hard fact that these two countries missed out trade and economic cooperation during the last twenty years due to the senseless war in 1998 and the no peace – no war situation for nearly two decades as well. Hence, the cultural exchange will give renewed impetus in terms of developing and continuing the two countries’ relations in economic and social sectors.
In truth, both countries are now so committed to recapture the lost golden opportunity of the last two decades carryingout joint infras- tructure projects that aimed for speeding up economic integration and strengthening people to people ties.
Apparently, Ethiopia and Eritrea are now enjoying a deep, friendly, and mutually beneficial relationship which will be a good model for a number of African countries. Moreover, they are offering big lesson for naysayers who have cried foul saying there is only government to government relation than people to people.
Therefore, such musical and cultural events apart from entertaining and informing the public, they have indomitable power in bringing people together and supporting the comprehensive cooperation between the two countries.
In general, the Ethio- Eritrea special cultural, historical connections would for sure be kept and mushroomed as both countries’ leaders and peoples have unwavering commitments towards brining everlasting peace and prosperity across the Horn of Africa.
The Ethiopian Herald, December 24/2019
