Zahid arrives in Malta for CHOGM meeting

Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi arrived here Friday for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).

The Deputy Prime Minister who is leading the Malaysian delegation, arrived at Malta International Airport at 9.30pm (4.30am Malaysian time) accompanied by his wife, Datin Seri Hamidah Khamis.

He was welcomed by Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman, Malaysian Ambassador to Italy Datuk Abdul Samad Othman and senior officials from the Foreign Ministry, Natural Resources and Environment Ministry and the Economic Planning Unit.

A tight schedule awaits Ahmad Zahid as he will be attending meetings, a breakfast dialogue with state leaders, retreat programmes and the closing ceremony of CHOGM.

As the biennial summit meeting kicks off today, issues such as climate change, migration, violent extremism and radicalisation, building resilience in small states, sustainable development, empowerment of youth, gender equality and human rights are expected to be addressed.

CHOGM 2015 themed 'Adding Global Value' would seek to use the Commonwealth's strengths in international politics to influence and effect change on important global issues.