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Commonwealth Secretariat press release

Secretary-General to consult with African leaders

8 July 2003

Commonwealth Secretary-General Don McKinnon will attend the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU), from 10 to 12 July 2003, as a Guest of the organisation.


Mr McKinnon will consult with African leaders on Commonwealth issues, with a focus on economic, political and security challenges facing the region. He will also brief leaders on preparations for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting scheduled to take place in Abuja, Nigeria, from 5 to 8 December 2003.



"As the world's attention focuses on Africa, this second AU Summit offers the potential to address some of the most urgent issues facing the people of Africa today, including trade access, HIV/AIDS, debt relief and access to education. This meeting also offers the opportunity to make progress on the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD). The Commonwealth is very supportive of this initiative and stands ready to provide any assistance it can in delivering a safer, wealthier future for Africa," said Mr McKinnon.


Note to Editors:


At the forthcoming Summit, the 2nd Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union, the structure and framework of the AU will be finalised.

There are 19 African countries in the Commonwealth.


For media enquiries, please contact Joel Kibazo on: + 44 77 40 45 09 01
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