Statement from Assistant Secretary for International Trade and Development Alexia Latortue on the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development Annual Meetings

WASHINGTON – The United States applauds the productive Annual Meetings of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and welcomes the re-election to a second term of President Odile Renaud-Basso after a successful first term of leading the institution successfully through tumultuous times. As the EBRD’s largest shareholder, we welcome the membership of Iraq and also warmly welcome Benin as EBRD’s 75thmember and first sub-Saharan African member, demonstrating progress toward EBRD’s limited expansion of private sector-focused operations into sub-Saharan Africa.The EBRD is an indispensable partner for delivering economic stability and security that benefits American consumers and safeguards America’s security through the development of vibrant market economies.