Commonwealth secretary general Don McKinnon will leave Malta today after a one-day visit to Malta for an update on the organisational aspect of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting being held in Malta in November and which, he said, is expected to be followed by one billion people at any one time.

In a press briefing following a meeting with Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi, Mr McKinnon said Malta is now used to organising such high-profile events, adding that holding similar events is always a great challenge. He said the media coverage being given to this event will also mean that Malta will benefit immensely from organising it. At any one time, one billion people are going to be following the events in Malta as reported by the close to 1,000 journalists and media representatives who will be in Malta to cover the event.

Mr McKinnon said several important issues will be discussed during the meeting for which 53 heads of government will be attending. These issues include international trade, the millennium development goals and poverty. He said that the challenge for Malta and other countries is to make use of the international organisations they belong to and take maximum advantage of these affiliations.

On his part, Dr Gonzi said this event will serve as a showcase for Malta and its culture. Not only will Malta be highlighted as a tourist destination during the event and the marketing campaigns leading to it, but it will also feature as the ideal country to invest in view of its strategic position in the heart of the Mediterranean from where it can serve as a bridge to Europe and the North African region.

Dr Gonzi said the organisational aspect was well on track and on schedule. He thanked the Commonwealth for the support and advice it is giving Malta in the organisation of this high-profile event.