New Delhi:  Nigeria's Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala to become the first woman and the first African to become Director-General (DG) of the World Trade Organization (WTO).

Decks have been cleared for Okonjo-Iweala to become Director-General (DG) of the WTO after South Korea's candidate pulled out of the race for the job. Yoo Myung-hee, the South Korean candidate, had dropped out of the race yesterday. In a swift development today February 5, the Myung-hee withdrew from the race through a press statement by the Korean Ministry of Trade. The special General Council meeting to appoint Dr Nagozi is likely to be scheduled soon.

Earlier, the selection process for the appointment had paused after the US raised the objection in November 2020. Later in the day, the US announced its endorsement of Dr Ngozi Iweala as DG (WTO), through a press release from the Office of USTR. The press release stated interalia "the Biden-Harris administration is pleased to express its strong support for the candidacy of Dr Ngozi Okonjo-. Dr Ngozi 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 organisation with a diverse membership".

Also Read: 

18 Taliban terrorists killed in Afghan forces airstrikes in Nangarhar

4 civilians wounded in Kabul blast

Afghan Fighting increases amid stalled peace talks