In this file photo taken on June 26, 2018 Eritrea's Foreign Minister Osman Saleh Mohammed (R) walks with Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (2L) and Ethiopia's foreign minister Workeneh Gebeyehu (L) as an Eritrean delegation for peace talks with Ethiopiaarrives at the international airport in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. (AFP Photo)

UNITED NATIONS, July 10 (Xinhua) -- The Security Council on Tuesday welcomed the decision of Eritrea and Ethiopia to end the state of war between them and build peace.

The members of the Security Council commended the signing of the Joint Declaration of Peace and Friendship on Monday and welcomed the commitment by both parties to resume diplomatic ties and open a new chapter of cooperation and partnership, said the council in a press statement.

This represents a historic and significant development with far-reaching positive consequences for the Horn of Africa and beyond, said the statement.

The council members welcomed the commitment of Eritrea and Ethiopia to jointly endeavor to ensure regional peace, development and cooperation and look forward to Eritrea's active participation in the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), a regional trade bloc.

Eritrea withdrew from IGAD in 2007, but was re-admitted in 2011.

The members of the Security Council recognized the call in the Joint Declaration for solidarity and support, and encouraged all actors to offer their support to the peace process. The members of the Security Council stand ready to support Eritrea and Ethiopia in their implementation of the Joint Declaration, said the statement.

Eritrea gained independence from Ethiopia in 1993 and the two countries fought a war between 1998 and 2000. They agreed to end hostilities on Monday.