While the whole world learns of the death of Elizabeth II, tributes and messages from senior leaders follow one another recalling the importance of this queen with a long reign of more than 70 years.
Queen Elizabeth II was a ‘constant presence’ in the lives of Canadians and ‘will forever remain an important part of our country’s history’, the Prime Minister said Thursday canadian Justin Trudeau.
“Canadians will always remember and cherish the wisdom, compassion and warmth of Her Majesty,” added the head of government shortly following the announcement of the death of the former head of state of Canada.
Reactions in the UK and Ireland
The Prime Minister Scottish Nicola Sturgeon, in favor of Scottish independence from London, said the death of Queen Elizabeth II is “a deeply sad moment for the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth and the world”.
For his part, the President Irish Michael D. Higgins expressed his condolences, hailing “a remarkable friend of Ireland”, the presidency said in a statement.
“As we offer our condolences to all of our neighbors in the UK on the death of a remarkable friend of Ireland, we are reminded of the role played by Queen Elizabeth in the long friendship” between the two countries with a tormented history, said the president.
A queen who “embodied an era”
The president of UNITED STATES Joe Biden hailed Elizabeth II “a stateswoman of incomparable dignity and constancy”, believing that the late queen was “more than a monarch. She embodied an era.”
Elizabeth II “helped make the relationship between the United Kingdom and the United States ‘special’,” he said in a statement. He says he is “looking forward to continuing a close relationship of friendship with the King and Queen Consort.”
In France, President Emmanuel Macron also paid tribute to Elizabeth II, saluting “a queen of hearts” who was “a friend of France” of which she knew 10 presidents during her 70 years of reign. The Eiffel Tower will therefore not sparkle this Thursday evening as usual for 5 minutes at the start of each hour in homage to the Queen, said the town hall of Paris
Queen Elizabeth symbolized “reconciliation” with germanyhelping to “heal the wounds” of the Second World War, declared the German head of state Frank-Walter Steinmeier.
“Queen Elizabeth was a historical figure: she lived history, she made history and she leaves following her death a magnificent and inspiring legacy”, reacted for his part the president Israeli Isaac Herzog. “His passing marks the end of an era.”
President Jair Bolsonaro has declared three days of mourning in Brazil following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, according to a notice published in the Official Journal. This mourning is decreed throughout the Brazil “as a sign of condolence following the death of Her Majesty”, the British sovereign, and takes effect as soon as the decree is published in the Official Journal.
President South African Cyril Ramaphosa, for his part, paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth II, hailing an “extraordinary figure” who led “a remarkable life”. President Russian Vladimir Putin also saluted the memory of Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday and offered his condolences to her son, King Charles III.
The Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida lamented on Friday a “great loss” for the international community which is experiencing “turbulent times” also expressing its “deep sadness”. He praised the “extremely important role for world peace and stability” of a queen who has also “contributed greatly to the strengthening of relations between Japan and the United Kingdom, in particular through a visit to Japan in 1975”. Japan will lower its flags.
Finally, the Chinese President Xi Jinping offered his condolences to the United Kingdom. “On behalf of the Chinese government and people as well as on his own behalf, Xi Jinping expressed his deep condolences” in a message sent to the new King Charles III, said public television CCTV. The official statement recalls that the Queen was the first British monarch to visit China.
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“A reassuring presence during decades of change”
The pope francis said he was “deeply saddened” Thursday by the death of Elizabeth II, paying tribute “to his life of unwavering service” and “his example of devotion to duty”.
The general secretary of l’ON Antonio Guterres praised Thursday “the grace, dignity and devotion” of Elizabeth II, who was a “reassuring presence during decades of far-reaching changes, including decolonization in Africa and Asia”.
The president of European Council Charles Michel, for his part, paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth II, believing that “Elizabeth the Steadfast” embodied “the importance of lasting values”.
The general secretary of NATOJens Stoltenberg, said he was “deeply saddened” by the death of Queen Elizabeth II, an example of “leadership and selfless public engagement”.
Senegalese head of state Macky Sall, current president of theAfrican Union (AU), hailed “the memory of the illustrious deceased”, Queen Elizabeth II, “with an exceptional career”. “I offer my heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Britain. Rest his soul in peace,” he said on Twitter.
aps with agencies
