Accra July 2, GNA - Professor Alpha Omar Konare, Chairman of the Commission of the African Union has expressed confidence in the prospects that lie ahead of the African continent which he said was of great importance to the future of the African Union.

A statement issued on his behalf and signed by Romano Prodi at the Ninth African Union Summit currently in Accra said: "While I am well aware of the critical factors, I am nevertheless a staunch believer in your capacity to pool your internal efforts with those of your other partners to jointly address the challenges that lie ahead." He said the gradual integration of the New Partnership for African Development (NEPAD) into the union and the strengthening of the African Peer Review Mechanism were major goals for the increasingly closer and efficient institutional integration of the continent.

"Positive signs are also emerging from the complex crisis that has been played out for too long already in Darfur. The United Nations (UN) and the African Union are beginning to cooperate effectively under the chapter VIII of the UN charter."

The statement however pointed out that against the background of those positive signals were many challenges which still loomed over Africa and asked for the adoption of a common strategy to enable African countries effectively share common values and principles which were essential to addressing challenges facing Africa.

In a related development, Mr. Wen Jiabao Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China has congratulated the African Union for its important role in upholding peace and stability in Africa and promoting African integration as well as coordinating the position of African countries on international issues.

A statement signed by Mr Jiabao, noted that this year held great opportunities for China-Africa relations as it was the first year to implement decision for the Beijing Summit of the forum on China-Africa cooperation.

It reassured Africa of China's commitment to carry forward the China-Africa relationship and boost cooperation with African countries and the AU.