The Commonwealth chairperson-in-office, Prime Minister Dr Lawrence Gonzi from Malta, will meet Secretary General Don McKinnon at Marlborough House today.

Malta has taken on the role of chairperson for two years following its hosting of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Malta in November 2005.

Discussions between Prime Minister Gonzi and Mr McKinnon are expected to focus on implementation of important outcomes of CHOGM 2005, embodied in the meeting’s final documents.

This includes issues such as bridging the digital divide; promoting respect and understanding across faiths, cultures and communities; revisiting the issue of Commonwealth membership; support to small states; and sustainable development.

The discussions are also expected to cover the Commonwealth’s role in building democracy and preventing conflict, the promotion of strategic partnerships with other international organisations, and developments in the World Trade Organisation’s Doha Round of trade negotiations.

Later in the day, Prime Minister Gonzi will meet Commonwealth high commissioners to exchange views on the Commonwealth’s current agenda.

He will also address staff of the Commonwealth secretariat and the Commonwealth Foundation.