The United States government led by Joe Biden and Kamala Harris has endorsed Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, former minister of finance, for the office of the director-general of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
In a statement seen by TheCable, the office of the US trade representative, said the Biden-Harris admin is pleased to support the candidacy of Okonjo-Iweala, who is also a US citizen.
The Donald Trump-led admin had refused to back the former managing director of the World Bank on grounds that she lacked trade experience. A claim Okonjo-Iweala has refuted repeatedly.
“The United States takes note of today’s decision by the Republic of Korea’s Trade Minister Yoo Myung-hee to withdraw her candidacy for Director General of the World Trade Organization (WTO),” the statement read.
“The Biden-Harris Administration is pleased to express its strong support for the candidacy of Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-lweala as the next Director General of the WTO.
“Dr. Okonjo-Iweala brings a wealth of knowledge in economics and international diplomacy from her 25 years with the World Bank and two terms as Nigerian Finance Minister.
“She is widely respected for her effective leadership and has proven experience managing a large international organization with a diverse membership.”
