ANKARA

Kenya said Thursday it will support Nigeria’s candidate to head the World Trade Organization (WTO) after its candidate failed to be shortlisted for the post, Kenyan local media reported.

"Kenya expresses deep gratitude to all WTO Members for according Ambassador Amina Mohamed the utmost support throughout her campaign,” said Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Ministry.

Although Mohamed "was the most qualified candidate to steer WTO, we accept that the process has moved on without her," it said.

"Kenya therefore throws its firm, unwavering support behind Ngozi Iweala of Nigeria, wishes her the best and expects the international community to abide by this important promise, as the two candidates proceed to the final round," it said.

The ministry said it was agreed it would be Africa’s turn to lead the WTO.

Iweala, who will run against South Korea’s Trade Minister Yoo Myung-hee in the final round, has served as Nigeria’s finance minister and foreign affairs minister, according to the Star newspaper.

The EU announced Tuesday its support for Iweala and Yoo Myung-hee for the post, Nigeria’s local Naira Metrics reported.

Iweala, and Myung-hee at the final candidates from six others, including Jesús Seade Kuri of Mexico, Abdel-Hamid Mamdouh from Egypt, Tudor Ulianovschi from Moldova, Mohammad Maziad Al-Tuwaijri from Saudi Arabia, Liam Fox from the United Kingdom and Mohamed.

Competition for a new head was made necessary after current WTO Director-General Roberto Azevedo announced he would step down Aug. 31.