Commonwealth Secretary-General, King Charles confer

The Commonwealth Secretary-General, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, has held her first meeting with the King of England and the head of the Commonwealth, King Charles.

The meeting, which took place at the Windsor Castle in London, was to allow Ms Botchwey to introduce herself to the King, having assumed duty on April 1.

Ms Botchwey, the first African woman to assume that role, was elected as the Commonwealth Secretary-General last year, succeeding Patricia Scotland, who ended her tenure.

She earned the endorsement of the 56-nation Commonwealth during the Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa on October 25, last year.

Before assuming this new role, Ms Botchwey had served as Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and had been involved in international diplomacy for almost 20 years.

It was the first high-profile engagement for the King, who last week was advised by his doctors to take time off after suffering side effects from his cancer treatment.

The 76-year-old monarch has been receiving cancer treatment since his diagnosis more than a year ago, but he has been well enough to keep up his public visits and official engagements.

Role of the Commonwealth

While reaffirming her commitment to promoting the values enshrined in the Commonwealth Charter, the Commonwealth Secretary-general also pledged to modernise the organisation through innovative partnerships that respond effectively to the needs of member nations.

Ms Botchwey further emphasised the critical role the Commonwealth plays in tackling global economic and political challenges and pledged that under her leadership, it would continue to play that critical role, particularly at a time when the world was increasingly being defined by rising tensions and shifting global alliances.

Best wishes

King Charles, welcoming the Secretary-general to the new role, congratulated her on her successful selection and wished her all the best in her tenure.

He expressed his pride about the Commonwealth's remarkable collection of nations and peoples who come together in the spirit of support and crucially, friendship.

The King further expressed hope that under her tenure, the organisation will continue its vital work to restore harmony and ensure a better future for younger generations.