Before leaving the Eritrean capital Asmara on Tuesday, Kagame told a news conference the aim of his visit had been to strengthen existing ties between the two countries, Eritrean radio said. He also discussed latest developments in the Great Lakes region and the Horn of Africa with his Eritrean counterpart Isayas Afewerki.

Eritrean sources told IRIN that the previously good relations between the two countries had cooled down of late as both nations became embroiled in their respective conflicts: Eritrea in its war with Ethiopia and Rwanda's involvement in the DRC. Furthermore, Eritrea was apparently unhappy about Rwanda's involvement in the Congo, the sources said.

"Now they are talking again, it may be a sign they are putting their wars behind them," the sources added.