Commonwealth Day messages

Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi yesterday issued a message to mark Commonwealth Day today, saying Malta had renewed its commitment to the shared values of tolerance, respect, and equality and to uphold the fundamental principles of democracy, human rights, the rule of law and sustainable socio-economic development.

He said this year special attention was attached to the virtues of health and vitality. "We recognise that our nations are stronger when there is access to good food, clean water and healthy living conditions. It is in all our interests to work to provide the highest possible standards for all Commonwealth people.

"We, in Malta, are much stronger knowing that our one voice has the support of 52 other nations. We know the Commonwealth is a trusted partner and welcome its style of global diplomacy, which uses the power of consensus to make multilateralism work.

"The people of Malta can feel confident that through our Commonwealth connections we are stronger. Our solidarity is our strength; our shared values, conventions and institutions provide the platform to build peace and deliver prosperity to all our people," Dr Gonzi said.

In another message for the occasion, the Maltese who took part in the Commonwealth Youth Forum (CYF) underlined the importance of the contribution of young people within the Commonwealth and urged institutions, governments and civil society organisations to foster and promote active youth participation across the Commonwealth. The forum took place in Malta last November as part of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). The Maltese participants have met a number of times since the CYF to discuss possible strategies for the continuation of the CYF legacy in Malta through the setting up of a network.