Nigeria’s former Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has expressed excitement over the United States’ support for her candidacy for the World Trade Organisation’s coveted position.
Reacting to the endorsement on her twitter handle, Okonjo-Iweala said she was grateful for the support from the US, throwing their weight behind her candidacy for the Director General position.
She also appreciated President Muhammadu Buhari and Nigerians for their unflinching support since she threw her hat into the ring for the job.
“Grateful for the expression of support from the US today for DG WTO. Congratulations to Madam Yoo of Rep. Korea for a hard fought campaign.
”Thank You President Muhammadu Buhari Buhari & all Nigerians for your unflinching support. Thank you friends. Love to my family. Glory to God,” she tweeted.
Earlier, The New Diplomat had reported US President Joe Biden endorsed Nigeria’s candidate for the Director General position at WTO, months after the Trump administration threw spanner in the works, stalling Okonjo-Iweala’s emergence despite securing enough support from the WTO member-states in October 2020.
The U.S endorsement of Okonjo-Iweala follows Yoo Myung-hee’s withdrawal from the race, Friday, leaving the former Minister as the sole candidate for the position.
A statement from the Office of the US Trade Representative on Friday said “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).”
“She is widely respected for her effective leadership and has proven experience managing a large international organization with a diverse membership,” the statement added.
