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Commonwealth Secretariat press release

Commonwealth Heads of Government to meet in Abuja, Nigeria, in December 2003

18 October 2002

The next Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) will take place from 5 to 8 December 2003 in Abuja, Nigeria, Commonwealth Secretary-General Don McKinnon confirmed today.

The announcement follows consultations with the host government, Nigeria and other member governments. At their last meeting in Coolum, Australia, in March 2002, Commonwealth leaders accepted the offer from President Olusegun Obasanjo for Nigeria to host CHOGM 2003.

In a brief statement President Obasanjo said, "The Government and people of Nigeria look forward to welcoming Commonwealth leaders to our country. The 2003 Meeting should afford a veritable opportunity for us and our partners in the Commonwealth to address important issues of collective concern with a view to further strengthening Commonwealth ties and cooperation."

Secretary-General Don McKinnon said that the Commonwealth Secretariat was working closely with the Nigerian Government to ensure a smooth and successful meeting. "I am sure the Abuja meeting will become another historic Commonwealth milestone. These summits offer a valuable opportunity to advance our political, economic, social and development objectives." This will be the first time since 1966 that Commonwealth leaders will meet in Nigeria.

Note to Editors:
The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting is held every two years. The CHOGM held in Coolum, Australia, in March 2002 was initially scheduled to be held in Brisbane in October 2001 but was postponed following the terrorist attacks in the United States on September 11, 2001. Previous CHOGMs have been held in South Africa (1999), the United Kingdom (1997), New Zealand (1995), Cyprus (1993), Zimbabwe (1991), Malaysia (1989), Canada (1987), The Bahamas (1985), India (1983), Australia (1981), Zambia (1979), the United Kingdom (1977), Jamaica (1975), Canada (1973) and Singapore (1971). Prior to 1971, Commonwealth Prime Ministers Meetings were held, usually every two years.

Nigeria hosted a special meeting of Commonwealth Prime Ministers in Lagos in January 1966.


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