PRESS RELEASE: First Advance Visit for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 2024, 10 – 11 July 2024

The first Advance Visit by Commonwealth Member Countries for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in October 2024 was conducted on 10-11 July 2024. The two Advance Visits provide an opportunity for Member States to physically assess Samoa's preparations and hosting obligations, looking at the logistics arrangements, accommodation options for Heads of Governments, as well as transport details.

The Advance Visit was preceded by a virtual Advance Visit on Monday, 8 July 2024 to enable a remote tour of the CHOGM venues for those members who cannot be physically present. It has been customary for the host Government to schedule advance visits at least four months prior to CHOGM to allow member countries to send security, protocol and operational experts to the host country to receive advance information on the planning of CHOGM.

The two-day programme commenced with a briefing for delegates by the CHOGM 2024 Organising Committee led by the Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Ms. Peseta Noumea Simi. The session on CHOGM arrangements explained in detail protocol and airport facilitation, security, accreditation, accommodation, transportation, venues, media and communications, health and emergency, catering as well as receptions and functions.

Following the questions and answers sessions and a presentation by New Zealand Immigration on Visa Arrangements were site visits to the main CHOGM meeting venues, the home of the Heads of Government Retreat, Leaders' and Foreign Ministers' hotels and other official function venues then took place.

The Advance Visit concluded on Thursday evening with bilateral meetings with each delegation to further address any remaining questions and concerns. A total of 41 delegates from eleven (11) Commonwealth member countries participated including Resident Missions in Apia. The second Advance Visit is scheduled for the end of this month.

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