MFA Spokesman's Comments on the nomination of Mr Robert Zoellick as President of the World Bank

In response to media queries on the nomination of Mr Robert Zoellick as President of the World Bank, the MFA Spokesman said:

"Singapore strongly supports the nomination of Mr Robert Zoellick as the next President of the World Bank. Mr Zoellick is well-known to Singapore and other Asian countries, having worked closely with them in his former capacities as US Trade Representative and Deputy Secretary of State. Mr Zoellick has been a tireless supporter of free trade and development, and had personally spearheaded the strategy to launch the WTO Doha Development agenda. He also played a pivotal role in reviving the US' economic engagement of Africa, Latin America, the Middle East and Asia. Throughout his service in the US Government, Mr Zoellick had also shown interest and paid attention to issues of the developing world.

Singapore is confident that Mr Zoellick's abilities and wealth of experience will put him in good stead to provide leadership to the World Bank to meet the challenges ahead."

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
30 MAY 2007