World Trade Organization (WTO) Director General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has bid farewell to Senior Adviser Ambassador Tomochika Uyama of Japan after five and a half years of service at the global trade organisation.
Okonjo-Iweala shared the farewell message on X (formerly Twitter), expressing gratitude for Uyama’s dedication, expertise and contributions during his time working with the WTO.
In her message, the WTO Director-General said she joined colleagues from her office in saying goodbye to Uyama and his wife, Keiko, as the Japanese diplomat prepares to take up a new assignment.
Okonjo-Iweala described Uyama as a “wonderful Senior Adviser” and praised him for giving his best throughout his 5.5 years of service.
She particularly highlighted his expertise, experience and institutional memory, noting the valuable knowledge he accumulated through years of being part of WTO negotiations.
“Thank you for the expertise, experience, institutional memory after all those WTO negotiations and the hard work,” Okonjo-Iweala wrote in her message.
The WTO chief also expressed a personal sense of loss over Uyama’s departure, saying she and her colleagues would miss him after his years of service to the organisation.
She extended her best wishes to Uyama and his wife as they prepare for his new assignment, expressing hope that the next chapter of their life journey would be successful.
Okonjo-Iweala also used the opportunity to appreciate Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Government of Japan for making Uyama available to serve with the WTO.
She specifically acknowledged the X account of Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, @MofaJapan_jp, while also referencing @JapanMissionGE in connection with the farewell.
Uyama’s departure brings an end to a five-and-a-half-year period in which his diplomatic experience and knowledge of international trade negotiations contributed to the work of the WTO.
The farewell also highlighted the importance of institutional knowledge within international organisations, particularly in an area as complex as global trade negotiations.
As Ambassador Tomochika Uyama begins his new assignment, Okonjo-Iweala’s message reflected appreciation for his service and the professional relationship built during his time at the WTO.
The WTO Director-General concluded by wishing Uyama and Keiko the very best in their new chapter while thanking them for their time and contribution to the organisation.
