Malta CHOGM to be held in November, 2005

The next Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) will take place between November 25-28, 2005 in Valletta, Commonwealth Secretary-General Don McKinnon confirmed yesterday.

Commonwealth leaders accepted the offer from the Prime Minister of Malta to host the 2005 CHOGM at their last meeting in Abuja, Nigeria in December 2003.

Commenting on the planned meeting, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi said: "The government and people of Malta look forward to welcoming Commonwealth leaders to our country. This summit will allow us to further strengthen the Commonwealth's political, social, developmental and economic programmes."

Mr McKinnon said the Commonwealth Secretariat was working closely with the government of Malta to ensure a smooth and successful meeting.

"I am confident that this meeting will be another historic Commonwealth event. It will be 12 years since a small state last hosted a CHOGM and I am looking forward to a summit which delivers concrete outcomes for all Commonwealth citizens."