WTO DG: Buhari Lauds European Council For Backing Okonjo-Iweala
Focused on diminishing United States (US)’s opposition to the emergence of Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as the next Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), President Muhammadu Buhari has appreciated the European Council for its support so far.
With all eyes on the ball, the President is leading Nigeria’s charge for top job and he made no pretence thanking the Council President, Mr Charles Michel for standing by Mrs Okonjo-Iweala
President Buhari, who spoke to the EC boss in a video conference, also used the occasion to discuss issues bordering on debt relief for Africa; EU-African relations; and recharge of the Lake Chad.
A statement by Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, said the lauded Mr Michel for the expected positive developments on the Lake Chad and other related issues.
The statement captioned: “OKONJO-IWEALA: PRESIDENT BUHARI IN VIDEO CONFERENCE WITH PRESIDENT OF EUROPEAN COUNCIL”, said; “President Muhammadu Buhari Friday held a video conference with Mr Charles Michel, President of the European Council, during which the latter reiterated Europe’s support for Nigeria’s Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as the next Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
“The President is leading Nigeria’s charge for Okonjo-Iweala, the country’s former Minister of Finance, to emerge as the first Black and female WTO DG.
“President Buhari thanked the European Council for its support for Nigeria’s candidate.
“Also discussed during the conference were issues bordering on debt relief for Africa, EU-African relations and recharge of the Lake Chad, which has currently shrunk to less than one-third of its usual size, and throwing about 130 million people who depend on the Lake into dire straits.
“Recharge of the Lake Chad is an issue the Nigerian President had vigorously canvassed at diverse global fora in recent time.
“President Buhari expressed appreciation to Mr Michel for expected positive developments on the issues.”
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
October 30, 2020
