Addis Ababa, Ethiopia - Ecuador’s first Permanent Observer to the African Union (AU), José Valencia, on Thursday presented his credentials to the AU Commission Chairperson, Jean Ping, the continental organization said in a statement Friday.

Welcoming Valencia as the first Ecuadorian diplomat, Ping said “this is an example of the kind of cooperation we would like to have with each and every South American country.”

He expressed regret at the limited cooperation ties existing between Africa and most South American countries, especially in the economic sector, despite both regions’ common historical experience of European colonialism and sharing the waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

The AU Commission Chairperson commended Ecuador for opening formal diplomatic ties.

Ambassador Valencia said he was honoured to serve as Ecuador’s first Permanent Observer to the AU and transmitted messages and greetings from his country's President Rafael Correa, emphasizing commitment to South-South cooperation, especially relations with Africa.

The ambassador agreed with the AUC Chairperson that Africa and South America shared some common challenges, which could best be met collaboratively.

According to him, as part of the African Diaspora and with the establishment of formal ties, Ecuador will increasingly be present in the African Union, which he described as “an organization that very much represents the spirit of Africa.”

Pana 19/11/2011