European Commissioner Louis Michel congratulated here on Monday the inauguration of Jean Ping as new African Union Commission head.
"I would like to offer my warmest and most heartfelt congratulations to Mr. Jean Ping and all the members of the newly appointed Commission of the African Union," said the Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid in a statement.
"The AU Commission -- and all the peoples of Africa -- have a leader of great integrity, commitment and passion," he added.
He said he was very much looking forward to working with Ping on issues of importance to both Africa and Europe "in a spirit of true partnership and friendship."
Ping took over from Alpha Oumar Konare who served as chairman from July 2003.
Michel has already held a meeting with Ping in Brussels on April 8, when they reiterated the importance of the strategic relationship between Africa and the EU and underlined their resolve to continue to work together to implement the Joint EU-Africa Strategy adopted at the last summit in Lisbon in December 2007.
Michel also praised the work of Konare. "The personal commitment of Mr. Konare has been vital to the success of the Commission of the African Union."
"His dedication and determination has enabled this institution to give Africa a new image on the world stage since its establishment in 2002," Michel noted.
Source:Xinhua
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