The meeting is described as historic. The Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara and his predecessor Laurent Gbagbo met for the first time since the post-election crisis of 2010-2011. 

The two political rivals each made a statement to the press in a very friendly, very fraternal atmosphere. 

The anticipated meeting was an attempt to ease political tensions that have been present since their last meeting more than a decade ago, when Ouattara defeated Gbagbo in presidential elections.

Gbagbo’s refusal to concede led to months of clashes between their supporters that left more than 3,000 people dead, according to the United Nations. 

They took turns to speak briefly. First is former President Gbagbo.