By BOLAJI OGUNDELE, Abuja

The European Council, on Friday, reassured President Muhammadu Buhari of its support for the emergence former Nigerian Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, as the next Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

President of the European Council, Mr Charles Michel, gave the assurance during a video conference with President Buhari.

According to a statement issued by Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, other issues discussed during the virtual meeting included debt relief for African countries and others.

“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,” the statement said. (Text, excluding headline, courtesy The Nation)