Kamalesh Sharma is new Commonwealth Secretary-General

Kamalesh Sharma, India’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, is the new Commonwealth Secretary-General.

He will take office on 1 April 2008.

This was announced by outgoing Secretary-General Don McKinnon in Kampala, Uganda, today, 24 November 2007.

He said the selection of Mr Sharma was a unanimous decision by Commonwealth leaders.

Mr Sharma said: “I do so with confidence and enthusiasm and would like to express my gratitude to all the leaders for the responsibility and trust they have given me to carry forward the work of the Commonwealth.”

He congratulated Mr McKinnon for his “outstanding leadership and commitment” to the Commonwealth and added that it was a very chastening moment.

“It is an honour and privilege to serve this great institution,” said Mr Sharma.