The handing-over ceremony between the out-going Commission and the new Commission, that was elected on 2nd February 2008, has taken place on Monday 28 April 2008, at the headquarters of the African Union in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Jean Ping, the new elected AU head, has expressed a balanced and careful decision making with the utmost respect for States members. He underlined that the AU has gained more and more respect in Africa and should serve the African people in their challenges and threats facing the continent recently. Therefore he pledged to devote all necessary efforts to ensure not only respect the ideals and values of our Organization, but also the implementation of decisions taken by the organs of the African Union, at the top which, the Conference of Heads of State and Government, which is the supreme body. In addition, he stressed his support for the Pan African Parliament (PAP) and its Action Plan, as well as for ECOSOCC whose noble role is to establish a partnership between governments and civil society and promote a greater participation by the latter to Africa’s development. Intra alia, he said he wants to devote himself to a better peace and security strategy and cooperation between other international organisation in that respect.
Also Louis Michel, European Development Commissioner, has congratulated Jean Ping for his new position. He stipulated that he is 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.
AU Press Release – EN / FR
Speech of Jean Ping – FR
EC Press release – EN
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