Here are some of the reactions from around the world:

- 'Welcome first step' -

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed the announcement as a "welcome first step" in ending the fighting.

"It is very much a welcome first step, which we hope can start to bring some solace to the millions of Ethiopian civilians that have really suffered during this conflict," UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters.

- 'Step towards peace' -

US State Department spokesman Ned Price hailed the agreement.

"The African Union's announcement of the signing of a cessation of hostilities between the government of Ethiopia and the Tigray People's Liberation Front represents an important step towards peace," he told reporters.

- 'Persevere' -

African Union president and Senegalese President Macky Sall said it was "excellent news".

"I congratulate the parties and strongly encourage them to persevere on the path towards permanent peace," he said.

- 'Nurture durable peace' -

Neighbouring Kenya's President William Ruto welcomed the news.

"I applaud (Ethiopian) Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and the leadership of Tigray for their bold step towards restoring peace in Ethiopia," he said.

"This mutual agreement will create the necessary environment to nurture durable peace and political stability in Ethiopia."

- 'Swift implementation' -

The European Union congratulated both sides "for their commitment and courage towards peace", but encouraged further talks to achieve "a permanent ceasefire agreement".

"A swift implementation on the ground of the agreement reached today is needed," it added.

"Priority is to resume humanitarian access in all affected areas and to restore basic services, in particular in Tigray."

- 'Real peace process' -

German foreign minister Annalena Baerbock commended all sides for "their willingness to solve this conflict peacefully".

"This is a promising step, now a real peace process must follow. #Eritrea, too, must lay down its arms & withdraw," she wrote on Twitter.

burs-ah/lcm