Mbeki Says AU Helps Africa To Tackle pitfalls

Addis Ababa, February 2(ENA)-- President Thabo Mbeki of South Africa said the formation of African Union (AU) would have a significant contribution in tackling the region's pitfalls.

In a brief statement he gave here to journalists up on his arrival at Bole International Airport, Mbeki said the setting up of AU was very important for the development of the continent.

He said its contribution in coordinating the countries in the region and helping change the living standard of African people were immense.

Mbeki said conducive atmosphere should be created to enable the people in the region to participate in the implementation of the union's programs aimed at speeding up development.

President Mbeki was accorded a warm welcome up on arrival at the airport by Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, other senior government officials and resident diplomats.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister of Lesotho, Pakalitha Bethuel and the Prime Minister of Swaziland, Barnabas Sibysiso Diamimi, arrived here on Saturday to attend the first extraordinary summit of the African Union.

They were received up on arrival at the airport by higher government officials.

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