Kenya on Wednesday lauded the nomination of top United States diplomat Robert Zoellick as the new President of the World Bank, saying his interest on Africa's development was indisputable.

Kenyan Trade and Industry Minister Mukhisa Kituyi said the achievements made by Zoellick as Washington's former Trade Representative would help him push forward his agenda at the helm of the Bretton Wood institution.

"I am glad for him. I think his interest for Africa's development is genuine," said Kituyi who has worked with the World Bank presidential nominee on global trade issues.

"I am excited about being able to work with him in a different field," the minister told Xinhua by telephone on Wednesday.

The 53-year-old Zoellick, currently serving as Washington's deputy Secretary of State, has been the top U.S, trade diplomat whose work on the global trade issues helped to revive the stalled World Trade Organization (WTO) talks after the Cancun (Mexico) fallout in 2003.

Zoellick is a technocrat and a veteran of the rough and tumble of international diplomacy as well as the corridors of power in Washington who has also been involved in seeking political solutions to the conflicts in Sudan's western region of Darfur and Somalia.

The World Bank's presidential nominee played a part in uniting the rebel groups in Darfur ahead of the signing of the Darfur peace accord.

"He (Zoellick) has a better understanding of Africa's development challenges. The role he has played in the revival of the Doha Round of talks was critical and in Africa's interest. I think he is better than his predecessor," said Kituyi.

Zoellick's predecessor, Paul Wolfowitz, announced his resignation as the World Bank President after months of haggling over whether his decision to award a hefty payrise to a partner constituted an abuse of the Bank's ethical rules.

Kituyi, who still serves as the chairman of the African Trade Ministers forum, said he was impressed with Zoellick's performance as the U.S. trade representative.

"I found Zoellick to be a level-headed person and I think we look forward to a better future," the Kenyan minister added.

Analysts describe Zoellick as a master of details, as well as being an impressive thinker, and he lobbied hard to get the role as U.S. trade envoy.

There he robustly defended U.S. economic interests, calling for lower trade barriers and free markets in goods and services.

Source: Xinhua