For 18 years, they didn't. There was no way to communicate - all transport links, phone and postal services had been severed since the start of conflict.

But this month, a reunion became possible when the two governments - bitter foes for nearly two decades despite agreeing a ceasefire back in 2000 - signed a peace deal that ended a generation of hostility in a matter of days.

After Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed shook hands, hugged and pledged to restore ties, Addisalem was among more than 400 passengers who flew to Asmara on Wednesday on the first direct flight between the Horn of Africa neighbours since 1998.

Only months earlier, he had given up hope of a reunion. Over the years he had tried to reach out, including a request to the International Committee of the Red Cross to find his wife's contacts, but to no avail.

He even considered travelling to Eritrea through Sudan with the help of people smugglers but was advised against the trip because of the exorbitant costs and risks to his safety.