ADDIS ABABA, April 2 (Xinhua) -- The Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, on Monday welcomed the smooth power transition in Ethiopia and vowed to work closely with the new prime minister, Abiy Ahmed, in various development sectors.

Mahamat, who congratulated Abiy Ahmed on his confirmation as the new Prime Minister of the East African country on Monday, welcomed the peaceful and smooth nature of the transition, calling the move as "a demonstration of political maturity."

Ahmed, who was unanimously endorsed by the Ethiopian House People's Representatives as Ethiopia's new Prime Minister on Monday, has formally took the office on Monday from his predecessor Hailemariam Desalegn, who resigned on February 15 following incessant anti-government demonstrations in parts of the country.

The chairperson further commended the former premier "for his commitment and contribution to the advancement of Ethiopia and the continent as a whole."

Mahamat further reiterated AU's full support to the Ethiopian government and people as they strive to achieve greater strides in the interest of their country, the region and the entire continent, according to the statement.

The chairperson also vowed to work closely with Ahmed towards the achievement of the objectives set in Agenda 2063, including the promotion of peace and security and the advancement of continental integration.

Mahamat is "convinced that, under the leadership of the new Prime Minister, Ethiopia will successfully meet the tasks at hand and further consolidate the remarkable social-economic progress it has made over the past two decades," according to the statement issued by the AU.

Mahamat also commended Ethiopians for their ability to mitigate recent challenges, saying that "throughout their long and proud history, the Ethiopian people have shown their ability to overcome challenges and unite in the pursuit of the higher interest of their country."