Bahrain attends WTO meeting

Bahrain’s delegation headed by the permanent representative to the World Trade Organization (WTO) in Vienna, Ambassador Dr. Yousef Abdulkarim Bucheeri, participated at the general assembly meeting of the organization, today (Tuesday May 14th, 2013) in Geneva, to announce the selection of the Brazilian Ambassador Roberto Azevedo as next World Trade Organization Director General to succeed the current Director-General, Pascal Lamy, whose term ends on 31 August 2013. Ambassador Dr. Yousef Abdulkarim Bucheeri addressed the assembly on behalf of the GCC Sates (As Bahrain is the Chair State of the current Session). He welcomed and congratulated the new World Trade Organization Director General Ambassador Roberto Azevedo. Ambassador Dr. Bucheeri reaffirmed GCC resolve to closely work in cooperation with the new Director General on trade issues, as well as their commitment of the multiparty trade rules to boost trade exchange and to protect the international market to meet various lifestyle and development. He reiterated that Ambassador Roberto Azevedo selection will enhance WTO role in settling trade disputes and revitalize hopes in resumption of efforts of Doha round that was frozen since 2001. The selection of the incumbent Director General was completed in three rounds during 6 weeks. The original nine candidates included only one Arab contender, Mr. Ahmad Hindawi, from Jordan for the post of WTO Director-General. Finally, and in the third round Ambassador Roberto Azevedo was declared as WTO Director-General. In conclusion, Ambassador Dr. Yousef Abdulkarim Bucheeri thanked the former Director-General, Pascal Lamy for his dedication and efforts during his tenure and wished him every success in his future professional career.