The news of the passing of Her Majesty was shocking and definitely a sad moment for millions around the world, but more so for anyone who had the good fortune of interacting with her.
I recall my meeting with her in November 2007 during the 20th Meeting of the Heads of Government of the Commonwealth in Kampala. We had dinner along with other leaders, but she spared a few special moments to interact with me because I was the newest president within the Commonwealth of nations.
I was struck by the vividity and accuracy of her recollections of her visit to Sierra Leone in the 60s She remembered the people she met and even described the topography of Sierra Leone in
astonishing detail. Anyone who met the Queen would be left in awe of her depth of knowledge
and the expanse of her memory.
She was practical, down-to-earth and her grace and humility was the cord that held the Commonwealth together. Her passing is an irreparable loss to all of us, to the Commonwealth, to United Kingdom and to her family.
I extend my profound sympathies to her family the government and people of the United
Kingdom.
May the memory of her great service live forever.