ADDIS ABABA, April 3 (Xinhua) -- The Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, on Tuesday lauded Ethiopia's peaceful power transition as an important moment for the East African nation and the continent.

Mahamat made the remarks during his meeting with the new Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Abiy Ahmed.

Ahmed's meeting with Mahamat marked the newly appointed premier's first official meeting since he 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.

Mahamat, who noted Ahmed's premiership as the first peaceful and successful political transition in the East African country, told state news agency ENA after his meeting with Ahmed that "It is a very important moment for Ethiopia because it is for the first time that there was a peaceful and successful political transition."

Mahamat also lauded Ethiopia's commitment to play a significant role in the regional peace, security and integration issues.

"Ethiopia has played a very heavy tribute for the peace and security of the continent," the Chairperson elaborated.

The two leaders have also discussed the effectiveness of Continental Free Trade Area (CFTA) and the internal situation of the country, it was noted.

Ahmed was unanimously endorsed by the Ethiopian House People's Representatives as Ethiopia's new Prime Minister on Monday.

The former premier submitted his resignation in mid-February after sustained protests mainly in the central and northern regions. Desalegn said his resignation would be part of a solution to advance reforms aimed at easing the country's unrest.