Malta to host CHOGM 2015
Unanimous agreement for Malta to host the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in 2015.
17 November 2013, 12:00am
Staff Reporter
Staff Reporter
1 min read
Prime Minister Joseph Muscat with Prince Charles.
The Commonwealth heads of government have unanimously agreed for Malta to host the 2015 meeting.
This will be the second time in 10 years Malta will be hosting the CHOGM. The last meeting on the island was held in 2005.
"This is another important for Malta that consolidates the respect which Malta enjoys among the Commonwealth members," Prime Minister Joseph Muscat said.
#Malta unanimously chosen to host #CHOGM 2015. We are convinced our people will again rise to the occasion-JM @commonwealthsec #Commonwealth — Joseph Muscat (@JosephMuscat_JM) November 17, 2013
He said the occasion would go hand in hand with Malta's preparations with the presidency of the EU in 2017 and the V18.
The decision was taken after Mauritius, who was meant to host the event, withdrew. The Prime Minister was asked to consider hosting the CHOGM in Malta, amid other countries who wanted to be the hosts.
"The Prime Minister accepted the request, noting Malta would host the CHOGM if there were to be unanimous agreement," the government said.
It said that diplomatic discussions were kicked off immediately. It also noted that while the governments usually had four years to prepare for time, Malta would rise to the occasion just the same.
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Well done to our Prime Minister and his ministerial team. The commonwealth comprises 53 nations of the former British empire and the english speaking world and has a population four times the size of that of the EU . The British commonwealth is growing and developing fast economically and increasing in importance when it comes it comes to world trade and business opportunities. We must exploit this opportunity to showcase ourselves in the world outside the EU through increased contact with their businesses and institutions. Interesting and busy time ahead for Malta with the EU presidency, Valletta 2018 and this CHOGM meeting coming up in the next few years. I am sure that with Joseph Muscat at the helm we will rise to the occasion.
