ADDIS ABABA - African Union?Commission Chairperson Jean Ping Tuesday offered condolences to Ethiopia for the death of Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, and hailed his contribution to his country and the region.

"The death of Prime Minister Meles has robbed Africa of one of its greatest sons," Ping said in a statement.

Meles had made "exceptional contribution to the advancement of the objectives of the AU and the promotion of Africa's interests in global fora", the statement said.

Ping also lauded Meles for his efforts to promote economic growth, his role as peacemaker between Sudan and South Sudan as well as his support for Somalia's fight against terrorism and extremism.

"He has played an important role in pioneering a new era of hope and growth in Africa, driven as he was by the vision of Ethiopia and Africa's renaissance," the statement said.

Meles, 57, died Monday due to a sudden infection when he was recovering in a hospital abroad, Ethiopia's state TV reported.

He was president of the Ethiopian transitional government from 1991 to 1995, when he was elected prime minister and remained at the post ever since.