News & Events

The United Kingdom and the elected governments of 12 British Overseas Territories have come together to release a Joint Declaration reaffirming their deep and historic partnership. The declaration was signed following a 2-day meeting held on November 14-15, 2023 attended by representatives from Anguilla, Ascension, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, Montserrat, Pitcairn Islands, St Helena, Tristan da Cunha and Turks and Caicos Islands.

Acknowledging the complex shifts in the global political, economic and technological landscape, the declaration emphasizes the UK’s continued commitment and responsibility to support the development needs of the Overseas Territories. It also highlights the diversity and shared values that unite the UK and the territories as one community and family. By reaffirming their partnership, both sides aim to build a more secure and sustainable future.

Read the original article here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-overseas-territories-joint-declaration-a-modern-partnership-for-a-stronger-british-family/joint-declaration-of-governments-of-the-united-kingdom-and-british-overseas-territories-a-modern-partnership-for-a-stronger-british-family

The Royal Commonwealth Society Hong Kong (RCS HK) recently hosted its annual Christmas party at the Helena May in Hong Kong. Attended by the Commonwealth Chamber Chairman Julia Charlton and many distinguished guests, the event served as an opportunity to celebrate the holiday season and strengthen Commonwealth ties.

The elegant Blue Room at the Helena May provided a fitting backdrop for the festive gathering. Guests mingled over drinks, reminisced over the year’s challenges and accomplishments, and shared optimism for the future. The evening featured an enjoyable dinner with RCS HK’s leadership including Vice Chairman Nicholas Tam, President Neville Shroff, Chairman Peter Mann and others. Joining them were special guests from Macau like Dr. Billy Chan, Chairman of Austcham Macau and Rafael Custodio Marques, Consul General of Mozambique.

The evening embodied the spirit of friendship and goodwill among the Commonwealth community. As we move into a new year, the connections fostered at events like this will be crucial in driving collaboration and growth across the Commonwealth network.

The Mozambican parliament approved the 2024 budget plan and spending estimates (PESOE), despite opposition complaints about last-minute changes.

The ruling Frelimo party’s 165 deputies voted in favour of the budget on its first reading, while all 37 opposition deputies from Renamo and the Mozambique Democratic Movement (MDM) voted against it. Opposition deputy Fernando Bismarque accused the government of suddenly altering the budget right before the vote, distributing a different document to deputies than what was originally proposed. He said the changes increased projected public spending significantly from the original 542.7 billion meticais (around $8.5 billion).

For example, the health budget jumped from 5.5% to over 14% of the total budget. The opposition argued deputies could not properly evaluate the revised budget before voting. The government defended the changes as necessary updates. Frelimo has enough seats to pass the budget without opposition support.

Read the original article here: https://clubofmozambique.com/news/mozambique-assembly-approves-budget-for-2024-aim-report-250437/