[WATCH] Centre for development of small Commonwealth states to be set up in Malta

Muscat announces Small States Centre of Excellence. Video: Ray Attard

A Small States Centre of Excellence to boost development of small Commonwealth nations will be established in Malta, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat announced. 

Muscat told a press conference that the centre, which will be chaired by the Maltese government, will provide tailor-made support to the 31 small Commonwealth nations, helping them in various sectors, including debt management, broadband connectivity and trade. It will also provide aid to small islands that are hit by natural disasters.

Malta will provide an initial €100,000 contribution for the first year. 

Muscat explained that the centre will not require a big physical structure, describing it as "more of an online tool kit", and will indeed make use of facilities that are already available in Malta.

In a press conference ahead of the CHOGM meeting, Prime Minister Muscat said that it was a great honor for Malta to host this biennial summit.

“I hope this will be the most productive CHOGM to date”, he said, adding that he wants this meeting to "be deeply rooted in realism" on discussions ranging from climate change to terrorism and migration.

He confirmed that French President Francois Holande and UN General SecretaryBan ki-Moon will join the meeting on Friday to discuss climate change.

Commonwealth General Secretary Kamalesh Sharma hailed the enthusiasm shown by the Maltese people for this event.

“Although the event hasn't yet started, there is already a festive atmosphere in the air”, the outgong secretary general said.