Rwanda, Benin back World Bank chief for re-election

Rwanda and Benin Wednesday expressed support for the candidature of Jim Yong Kim as President of the World Bank Group for a second term.

Speaking at a news conference in Kigali, Benin President Patrice Talon, and his Rwandan counterpart Paul Kagame said both governments recognize the achievements of Dr. Kim during the last four years.

"Dr. Kim has strived to make the World Bank a partner of choice for African countries. The Bank has provided significant development support in key sectors of priority to Africa, including health, energy, infrastructure, social protection, urbanization, environment, agriculture and education," a Rwandan government statement said.

Under Kim's leadership, according to the two heads of state, the World Bank has shown unwavering commitment to stabilization and progress of the Great Lakes Region through regional projects that have brought together governments and the private sector.

"The Bank also took the lead in the response to the Ebola epidemic in West Africa, through a multinational, multifaceted and localized approach. Dr Kim's continued leadership of the World Bank will consolidate gains achieved in our countries and foster even greater collaboration to end poverty and improve livelihoods," according to the statement. Endit