GENEVA, June 3 (Xinhua) -- The Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Roberto Azevedo, on Monday pledged support for Africa's continued economic integration following the continent's recent free trade agreement, at a meeting of the African Group of the WTO.

"I want to congratulate you on the entry into force of the AfCFTA. The rapid progress that you have made here is hugely welcome. It shows how much you value trade and greater integration," said Azevedo.

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Agreement came into force on May 30 after it was ratified by 22 countries -- the threshold for it to take effect. It has laid the foundation for what could be the world's largest free trade zone by the number of participating countries, covering more than 1.2 billion people with a combined gross domestic product of 2.5 trillion U.S. dollars.

The WTO chief stressed his commitment to supporting Africa's continued economic integration, through the AfCFTA and through the world trade body, to further fuel the continent's growth and development.

"Clearly, there is a lot of work ahead of us. I hope that the Africa Group will remain at the forefront of these debates. I am ready to assist in whatever way I can," said Azevedo.

He said the WTO is in contact with the African Union and is exploring ways in which it can work more closely in specific areas where it can provide more technical support.