Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn hosted a state banquet on Wednesday (December 12th) at the National Palace in honor of the new Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Dr. Dlamini Zuma.

he Prime Minister assured Dr. Dlamini Zuma that Ethiopia would continue to afford all necessary support for the activities of the Commission, its Chairperson and her team. He added that Ethiopia would be working closely with Dr. Dlamini Zuma for the success of the 50th Anniversary of the African Union.

Prime Minister Hailemariam noted that Ethiopia would be serving as Chair of the African Union next year following the decision of the AU to give the chairmanship to East Africa.

He said Ethiopia as upcoming chair of the AU was ready to play its part in the development of democratic culture, respect for human rights and rule of law in Africa.

Dr. Dlamini Zuma in turn assured the Prime Minister that during her chairmanship of the Commission, she would do her level best to ensure the development and economic growth of the continent. Prime Minster Hailemariam took the opportunity to hand over the keys of Addis Ababa to Dr. Dlamini Zuma.