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Osborne welcomes AIIB role for former Treasury chief

Xinhua, February 5, 2016 Adjust font size:

British Chancellor George Osborne Friday welcomed the appointment of Danny Alexander as a vice president at the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).

In a statement issued in London, Osborne said: "I am delighted that President Jin Liqun has appointed Sir Danny Alexander for a Vice-President role at the AIIB."

"I worked very closely with Danny over the last 5 years. I know him to be a person of real intelligence and integrity and from his record as Chief Secretary to the Treasury, where he helped turn around the UK public finances and oversaw the coalition's infrastructure program, will bring a huge amount of experience that will be a huge asset in setting up this important international body," Osborne said.

Reacting to his nomination, Danny Alexander said: "I am delighted to have been appointed to this role. I look forward to using my experience and skills, including as Chief Secretary to the Treasury during one of the most challenging recent times for the UK economy, to help ensure the AIIB succeeds."

Britain was the first major Western country, and first G7 member, to announce its intention to join the AIIB in March 2015. On Dec. 3, 2015, the UK became the first country from outside Asia and first G7 member to ratify the Articles of Agreement of the AIIB.

AIIB appointed five vice presidents with work experience in both developed and emerging economies as well as multilateral institutions on Friday. Endit