Commissioner Michel congratulates Mr. Jean Ping as new African Union Commission head

Mr. Ping takes over from Mr. Alpha Oumar Konaré who served as chairman from July 2003.

Mr. Michel said, "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. The AU Commission - and all the peoples of Africa - have a leader of great integrity, commitment and passion. I am very much looking forward to working with Mr. Ping on issues of importance to both Africa and Europe in a spirit of true partnership and friendship."

Furthermore, Commissioner Michel took the opportunity to pay tribute to the work of Mr. Konaré saying, "The personal commitment of Mr. Konaré 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."

Commissioner Michel has already held a meeting with Mr. Ping in Brussels on 8th April 2008. On that occasion, Chairperson Ping and Commissioner Michel 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.

| Arriba |

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• Le Commissaire Louis Michel félicite l'élection de Jean Ping comme nouveau Président de la Commission de l'Union Africaine (1/2/2008)