It is with profound sadness and great sorrow that we have learned the announcement by Ethiopian Authorities of the passing on of H.E. Prime Minister Meles Zenawi; Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Chairperson of the NEPAD Heads of State and Government Orientation committee (HSGOC) on Monday 20th of August 2012.

The deceased Prime Minister Meles Zenawi worked towards the realization of the African Union vision of an integrated prosperous and peaceful continent through his direct contributions to African integration.

The late Prime Minister was a staunch believer in the NEPAD Vision and Agenda. We will miss his intellectual insights, strategic leadership and guidance as well as his demonstration of unwavering support for the NEPAD Agency and its mandate.

We convey our sincere condolences to the government and people of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, as well as the AU Commission.

May his soul rest in perfect peace and I pray that God Almighty will comfort and console his family as well as the government and people of Ethiopia.

Dr Ibrahim Assane Mayaki

NEPAD  Agency CEO