Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the new director-general of the World Trade Organization (WTO), says she was surprised to learn that the US administration led by Donald Trump blocked her selection as WTO DG.
Okonjo-Iweala said she felt she had a good understanding with the then Trump’s administration after she was interviewed twice about the WTO job.
The former Nigerian Finance Minister disclosed this during her inaugural press conference yesterday.
She said: “I think I was quite surprised when that came (opposition from Trump) because there was no indication that there was any problem with the US.
“I had two good interviews with the authorities and with the administration so it was a surprise. But that’s the way life works. When things happen, you take them in your stride and you move on.
“It was absolutely wonderful when the Biden/Harris administration broke that logjam. They joined the consensus and gave such a strong endorsement to my candidacy. They joined the other 163 members to endorse my candidacy.”
Despite enjoying the support of more countries of the world, the then US government had thrown its weight behind South Korea’s Yoo Mhung-Hee.
