Robert B. Zoellick (FilePhoto)

BEIJING, June 26 (Xinhua) -- China on Tuesday congratulated former U.S. deputy secretary of state Robert Zoellick on his election as president of World Bank.

"We hope relations between World Bank and China continue to develop under the leadership of Zoellick," Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang told a routine press conference.

Qin's remarks came in response to questions concerning Zoellick's election as new president of World Bank.

Qin said China hoped Zoellick could enable the World Bank to carry out its duties and responsibilities, contributing to the international cause of development and poverty eradication.

Zoellick, U.S. President Bush's nominee for president of the World Bank, received the unanimous approval of the World Bank's board on June 25 to succeed Paul Wolfowitz, who was forced to resign amid a scandal over favors. He will start his five-year term on July 1.

As Bush's first trade chief, Zoellick, 53, played a leading role in efforts to revive the Doha round of world trade talks. He later served as deputy secretary of state and has widespread experience of and high-level contacts in Europe, China, Latin America and Africa.

He left the government last year to join investment bank Goldman Sachs.

World Bank's board approves Zoellick as next president

WASHINGTON, June 25 (Xinhua) -- Robert B. Zoellick, U.S. President Bush's nominee for president of the World Bank, won the unanimous approval of the World Bank's board to succeed Paul Wolfowitz, who was forced to resign under a favoritism scandal.

The board said in a brief statement that Zoellick brings "strong leadership and managerial qualities as well as a proven track record in international affairs and the drive required to enhance the credibility and effectiveness of the bank." Full story

Zoellick: healing World Bank's wounds difficult task

BRASILIA, June 18 (Xinhua) -- Robert Zoellick, the sole candidate for the World Bank's presidency, said Monday he faced a difficult task healing the bank's wounds left by the scandal surrounding its former chief.

"My role as a potential CEO is to try to heal this institution, overcome some of the conflicts, the bruises, the wounding, the frustrations," Zoellick told a news conference here. Full story

Bush nominates Robert Zoellick as next WB chief

WASHINGTON, May 30 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President George W. Bush on Wednesday nominated former trade representative Robert Zoellick to lead the World Bank, replacing outgoing bank President Paul Wolfowitz.

Bush said that Zoellick has a long career in diplomacy that has prepared him well for the job. "Bob Zoellick is deeply committed to this cause," he said.