British PM speaks with new director general of WTO

Boris Johnson took the opportunity to discuss global issues with Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

Nigeria's Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala poses for a picture at her home in Potomac, Maryland, near Washington DC, US. AFP

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson spoke with newly appointed director general of the World Trade Organisation, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, on Wednesday.

Dr Okonjo-Iweala, originally from Nigeria, is the former finance minister of Nigeria and second in charge at the World Bank. She starts her new role at the WTO on March 1.

Dr Okonjo-Iweala is the first woman and African to lead the organisation.

Mr Johnson congratulated her on her appointment, noting the importance of a strong WTO in today’s globalised economy.

He said he looked forward to working closely with Dr Okonjo-Iweala in the coming months and welcoming her to Cornwall for the G7 Summit in June.

They discussed international vaccine campaigns and the barriers to trade that could impede the global response to the pandemic.

Mr Johnson and Dr Okonjo-Iweala also spoke about the opportunities for driving a green economic recovery from Covid-19, and he welcomed her support for Cop26, to be held in Glasgow in November.