Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala Honored with Timor-Leste's Second Highest Honor

WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala was honored with the Order of Timor-Leste by President Jose Ramos Horta in acknowledgment of her outstanding contribution and assistance during the country's accession process to the World Trade Organization (WTO).

The award ceremony was held during a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the WTO's 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13) in Abu Dhabi on February 25th, 2024. Among the dignitaries present were House Speaker Fernanda Lay, Vice-Prime Minister and Minister Coordinator for Economic Affairs Francisco Kalbuadi Lay, as well as other government officials.

President Horta expressed, "The Order of Timor-Leste is bestowed upon Director-General Ngozi as a symbol of gratitude for her dedication and leadership in guiding the Working Party through various sessions concerning Timor-Leste's readiness for WTO accession."

In response, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala expressed her delight, stating, "I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Timor-Leste and President Horta for this esteemed recognition, acknowledging my efforts in supporting Timor-Leste's journey towards WTO accession. I eagerly anticipate collaborating with Timor-Leste following its accession to the WTO." The WTO Director-General posted the award on X, formerly Twitter: