Secretary-General visits South Pacific

The Commonwealth Secretary-General, Don McKinnon, today embarks on official visits to Vanuatu, Tuvalu, Fiji Islands, Kiribati and New Zealand.

The Secretary-General's visits to these countries will focus on matters of Commonwealth interest, including preparations for the rescheduled Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Queensland, Australia next March, the Report of the Commonwealth High Level Group and issues of regional concern.

The Secretary-General will hold discussions with the Head of Government in each country on this visit. His programme also includes meetings with other ministers. On-going programmes of Commonwealth assistance and co-operation will feature in his talks.

Mr McKinnon said today:

"I am very much looking forward to renewing acquaintances with friends and colleagues in the Pacific and discussing matters of importance to the Commonwealth in the lead-up to CHOGM."




Note to Editors:
The Secretary-General will be in Vanuatu on 7-8 December, Tuvalu on 9-10 December, Fiji Islands on 10-11 December and Kiribati on 11-13 December 2001.

For media enquiries please contact Mr Albert Mariner on +44 780 104 8787.

01/80 7 December 2001