Beijing, June 15 The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) on Wednesday called former Canadian communications director Bob Pickard’s statements “disappointing and unfounded”, after the former executive denounced that the AIIB “is dominated” by the Chinese Communist Party.

The bank explained in a statement that it accepts the resignation of Pickard, who began working at the institution in March 2022 and has always “received support and accountability”, according to the AIIB.

“We are proud of our multilateral mission and have a diverse international team representing 65 different nationalities and members at the AIIB, serving our 106 members around the world,” the agency reported.

Canada announced its decision on Wednesday to freeze relations with the bank while it investigates Pickard’s allegations.

The former communications director announced his abrupt resignation on Twitter on Wednesday and denounced the AIIB’s “toxic culture”.

“As a patriotic Canadian, this is my only recourse. The bank is dominated by members of the Chinese Communist Party and also has one of the most toxic cultures imaginable. I do not believe that the interests of my country are protected through its membership in the AIIB,” he added. .

Canada joined the AIIB in 2017 with a US$995 million stake and then a 1% stake in the institution. China is the largest shareholder in the bank, which already has more than 100 member countries. EFE

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