29/04/2008 (Agence Europe) - Jean Ping (Gabon), the new president of the renewed African Union (AU) Commission, took up his duties on 28 April. In a congratulatory message published on this occasion, Louis Michel, European Development and Humanitarian Aid Commissioner, spoke of his resolve, with Mr Ping, to pursue collaboration between Africa and Europe in a spirit of “real partnership and friendship”. He also paid tribute to the personal commitment of his predecessor, Alfa Oumar Konaré of Mali, who, at the head of the AU since July 2003, allowed this institution to give Africa a “new image on the international scene” since its creation in 2002. (A.N.)