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HM Treasury News Release
155/99
24 September 1999
UNITED KINGDOM OFFERS INVITATION FOR 2002 COMMONWEALTH TALKS
Commonwealth finance ministers were today invited to the United Kingdom
for their annual meeting in 2002 by Economic Secretary to the Treasury
Melanie Johnson.
Speaking at the Commonwealth Finance Ministers Meeting (CFMM), Miss
Johnson said:
"I am delighted to extend the United Kingdom's invitation to host
the 2002 Commonwealth Finance Ministers' Meeting. I believe it is
very fitting for the UK to host this important meeting in the same
year as the celebration of the Queen's Golden Jubilee and the Commonwealth
Games being hosted by the city of Manchester.
"The Commonwealth Finance Ministers' Meeting has a valuable role to
play in the work of the Commonwealth and indeed, in the wider international
community.
"It brings together decision makers from over 50 countries, developed
and developing, from all regions of the world. And, it provides a
unique forum for members large and small to exchange views and learn
from each other on a wide range of issues of international importance."
Commenting on the current meeting of Commonwealth Finance Ministers
in the Cayman Islands, Miss Johnson continued:
"I am very pleased with the progress that has been made at this
year's conference, particularly on the issue of heavily indebted poor
countries.
"I echo the Chancellor's belief that this week is the most important
week in the campaign for debt relief. Following his meeting with religious
leaders on Monday, this meeting of the Commonwealth has taken the
debate a step forward on the international stage at a very important
time - on the eve of the G7 and World Bank Annual Meetings in Washington."
NOTES TO EDITORS
The Commonwealth Secretariat will now consider the UK's invitation
before reaching a final decision.
The year 2002 will mark twenty years since the United Kingdom last
hosted the Commonwealth Finance Ministers Meeting. In 2002, the UK
will be celebrating the Queen's Golden Jubilee as well as hosting
the Commonwealth Games in the city of Manchester. There are 54 members
of the Commonwealth.
The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting will take place in November
1999, hosted by Durban, South Africa.
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