Secretary-General in Asia and the Pacific

It will be his first official visit to South-East Asia and the Pacific since taking office in April this year.

On the Asian leg of his trip, the Secretary-General will visit Malaysia, Singapore and China.

In Malaysia (4-6 August), the Secretary-General is scheduled to hold talks with Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and Foreign Minister Dato’ Rais Yatim. While in Kuala Lumpur, the Secretary-General will also attend and address the 54th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference.

In Singapore (6-8 August), the Secretary-General is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Foreign Minister George Yeo and the Speaker of Parliament Abdullah Tarmugi. Mr Sharma will also address the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy on 7 August.

The Secretary-General heads for China to attend the 4th Commonwealth Sports Ministers Meeting in Beijing on 9 August. The meeting, which is expected to bring together more than 40 ministers, is focused on promoting sport as a tool for peace and development. The key areas of discussion include enhancing health, social inclusion, physical education, and sustained participation in sport.

On the Pacific leg of his journey, the Secretary-General will visit Papua New Guinea (12-13 August) where he is expected to meet Prime Minister Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare and Foreign Minister Sam Abal, among other official calls.

In Australia (14-16 August), the Secretary-General is due to call on the Speaker of the House of Representatives Harry Jenkins; Parliamentary Secretary for International Development Assistance Bob McMullan; and Opposition Leader Brendan Nelson. The Secretary-General is also to hold to discussions with senior officials in Canberra.

In New Zealand (16-19 August), the Secretary-General is expected to meet Governor-General Anand Satyanand and the Speaker of Parliament Margaret Wilson, as well as Prime Minister Helen Clark, Foreign Minister Winston Peters, and Opposition Leader John Key. The Secretary-General is also to hold to discussions with senior officials in Wellington.

During his Pacific trip, Mr Sharma will attend the 39th Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders’ Summit in Alofi, Niue (19-21 August). This will be Mr Sharma’s first attendance at a PIF Summit as Commonwealth Secretary-General where he plans to meet all of the Commonwealth’s Pacific Heads of Government.

Mr Sharma returns to London on 25 August.

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