December 8, 2003

Commonwealth Heads of Government met in Abuja, from 5-8 December 2003 at the invitation of President Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria, the host Head of Government and Chairman of CHOGM. Of the 51 countries that attended the Meeting, 38 were represented by their Heads of State or Government.

2. The Opening Ceremony of the Meeting included an address by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Head of the Commonwealth. 

3. Heads of Government conveyed their deep appreciation to the Government and people of Nigeria for the warm hospitality extended to them and for the excellent arrangements made for the Meeting. They also congratulated President Obasanjo for his leadership in chairing their Meeting. 

4. Heads of Government welcomed the new Heads of Government who attended CHOGM for the first time. 

5. Heads of Government received the Report of the Expert Group on Development and Democracy and the Report of the Secretary-General, which complemented the CHOGM Theme: "Development and Democracy: Partnership for Peace and Prosperity".

6. Heads of Government a dopted the Aso Rock Declaration on the CHOGM Theme and also issued the Aso Rock Statement on Multilateral Trade, which is attached to the Declaration.   more...