Welcome from the Prime Minister of Australia the Hon John Howard MP

It gives me great pleasure to welcome leaders from around the world to the 2002 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).

CHOGM will bring together nearly one third of the world's leaders in Coolum from
2-5 March 2002. As the first meeting of Commonwealth leaders in the new millennium, it is a particular pleasure for Australia to host this gathering.

Member nations of the Commonwealth have a shared history and traditions of democratic governance. We also are committed to working together to develop practical solutions to the problems confronting our diverse membership.

Australia looks forward to the 2002 CHOGM charting an exciting new course for the Commonwealth which will ensure it continues to remain modern, relevant and responsive to its members' needs. We support a Commonwealth that builds upon its proud history of supporting democratic values, good governance, conflict resolution and responsible economic management.

Trade, investment, sustainable development and the alleviation of poverty are central issues for Commonwealth members in an era of unprecedented change.

CHOGM 2002 will be the most important international meeting held in Australia
this year. This summit will showcase Australia to more than 1800 delegates from around the world and to a potential television audience of several billion people.

I am pleased Australia is able to host the first CHOGM of the 21st Century, and look forward to welcoming to Australia world leaders and other representatives from across the Commonwealth.

Hon John Howard MP