President Jonathan Departs For CHOGM-2011 On Sunday
President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan will depart Abuja for Perth, Australia, on Sunday, October 23, 2011, to participate in the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, CHOGM-2011.
Prior to the commencement of CHOGM-2011, President Jonathan will be a guest of the Australian Government, during which he will hold bilateral talks with Hon. (Ms) Julia Gillard, Prime Minister of Australia, attend a dinner with top Australian businessmen and be hosted to an official dinner by the Governor-General, Hon. (Ms) Quentin Bryce AC.
President Jonathan will deliver the keynote address at the Commonwealth Business Forum, with the theme: 'Unleashing Africa's Potentials: A New Vision', and participate in the Forum's other activities, including a panel discussion on: 'Africa: Creating A New Economic Power for the 21 st Century'.
The President will also take part in the Presidential Country Roundtables, specifically the Nigeria/Australia Mining Roundtable, and other consultations with global business leaders.
The CHOGM-2011 opening ceremony is on Friday, October 28, followed by an Executive Session, while Queen Elizabeth II will host a dinner for all participating Commonwealth leaders and their spouses in the evening of the same day.
Other major events in which President Jonathan will take part include a sports breakfast, a reception by the Commonwealth Secretary-General, a global polio eradication session, retreat sessions for Commonwealth leaders and an official dinner to be hosted by the Prime Minister of Australia, Hon. (Ms) Julia Gillard MP.
While in Australia, President Jonathan will also hold bilateral talks with several Commonwealth leaders, including the Prime Minister of Malaysia, the Vice President of India, the Prime Minister of Canada, the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, and the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs, and meet with a cross-section of the Nigerian Community based in Australia.
The President is expected back in Abuja on Monday, October 31, 2011.
REUBEN ABATI, Ph. D
Special Adviser to the President
Media and Publicity