By IANS
New Delhi : President Pratibha Patil Sunday congratulated Kamalesh Sharma on his election as secretary general of the Commonwealth grouping of 53 countries, formerly ruled by the British.
In her message, Patil stressed that she was especially very happy that Sharma has become the first Indian to be selected for the top post. “This emphasises the respect for India in the Commonwealth,” Patil said.
“Your elevation to this post is a recognition of your outstanding abilities which you have shown during your long diplomatic career,” she said.
Sharma, India’s high commissioner to Britain, became the first Indian to head a major multilateral body when Commonwealth leaders meeting in Ugandan capital Kampala Saturday chose him as the new secretary general of the grouping.
He has been India’s representative on the board of governors of the Commonwealth since 2004. He was the first Special Representative of the UN Secretary General to East Timor in 2002-04 with the rank of undersecretary general.
Sharma was also spokesperson for developing countries in the UNCTAD during the crucial Uruguay Round of multilateral trade negotiations.