Chan Santokhi whom he hailed as a brother. He praised the late former president for the manner in which he maintained relations between Suriname and Guyana. President Ali who labeled the memories comforting but painful explained that the moments with Santokhi will remain as bright spots which will only make him miss him even more. He also mentioned their first meeting as leaders that was immediately characterized by mutual respect. President Ali revealed that the first meeting went further than formal diplomacy and that it laid the foundation for the stronger relations between both countries but also the personal bond between both heads of state. “What started as a meeting between two presidents became a link between two nations. It was more than just diplomacy. It was a brotherhood”, said president Ali who praised Santokhi’s leadership style which he labeled as thoughtful and goal-oriented. President Ali pointed out that after Santokhi became president of Suriname he immediately approached Guyana. “He reached out … and that made the difference.” Santokhi who was a former minister of Justice and Police was a legislator and chairman of the Progressive Reform Party (VHP) died on March 30th at the age of 67.