Brunei Foreign Minister Attends CHOGM In Abuja

Abuja – Brunei’s Foreign Affairs Minister, His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, and his spouse Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Zariah on Friday attended the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2003 in Abuja in Nigeria.

The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting is taking place at the Abuja International Convention Centre.

President Olusegen Obasanjo and his wife welcomed his Royal Highness and Yang Teramat Mulia Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Zariah upon arrival.

Singapore's Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong is among the Commonwealth leaders attending the CHOGM in Nigeria.

CHOGM 2003 is taking place as issues such as terrorism continued to threaten world peace.

Terrorism is a main topic on the agenda, although the theme of the meeting is "Democracy and development - Partnership for peace and prosperity".

It is a tradition of CHOGM that the heads of delegation enter the conference hall together in a procession.

The spouses of the heads of government and other representatives enter the hall separately and Yang Teramat Mulia Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Zariah was among the distinguished ladies.

The Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, welcoming the country’s guests, preceded the opening ceremony.

The Nigerian President highlighted important issues such terrorism, development, trade, HIV/AIDS, corruption and others.

He called on the heads of delegation to strive for solution that would chart a new course of action for the commonwealth in the 21st century.

The Commonwealth Secretary General Mr Donald C Mckinnon also touched on terrorism, stressing that devoid of peace development could not be achieved.

He reminded that democracy and development move hand in hand as the generator of progress.

The Chairman of the previous CHOGM, Australia's Prime Minister John Howard praised the vital role played by President Obasanjo in returning Nigeria to democracy and to the Commonwealth way.

Speaking on behalf of his counterparts, Mr Howard emphasised that the association stands by the values of democracy, of good governance and the respect for human and political rights.

The climax of the day's event was the official opening of CHOGM 2003 by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

In her speech the Queen expressed her appreciation to President Obasanjo and Nigeria.

Other highlights of the ceremony were cultural performances including choirs and dances.

At the Abuja meeting, the Commonwealth leaders are expected to discuss the connections between democracy and development and receive a report from a commonwealth expert group on these issues.

Other topics likely to be on the agenda are the Commonwealth plan of action on terrorism, progress in the achievement of the millennium development goals and challenges faced by small states. -- Courtesy of Radio Television Brunei 

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