Maltesen Foreign minister Micheal Frendo welcomed the initiative as a  building block on the existing ties among Commonwealth organisations and the Commonwealth citizens.

“Friends is expected to bring together citizens of Commonwealth member states who will contribute individual talents and expertise to make the Commonwealth a friendlier and more accessible arena for exchange and dialogue. It will become a group of people promoting the positive efforts of individuals around the Commonwealth and to share their experiences, ideas and resources,” Director of the Commonwealth Foundation, Dr Mark Collins explained.

The event also coincided with the prize giving ceremony of the Commonwealth writers Prize won by Lydia Adero from Uganda . Uganda ’s education minister who officiated at the ceremony called on increased investment in uplifting education standards to fight illiteracy.

The Friends of the Commonwealth has already identified two projects – one involving increasing literacy levels in the Commonwealth, through an outreach reading project in conjunction with the Commonwealth Writers’ Prize. It will help give children access to quality literature through the classroom as well as utilise new technologies to enhance reading skills.

Its livelihood development project, based in Zanzibar , will focus on equipping women’s groups and the fishing community to raise income levels and standards of living.

“This represents an extension of the Foundation’s outreach from just organisations and institutions of the Commonwealth, to individuals in their own spheres of influence. The Friends network will build support in what ever ways they can, to do more for others around the Commonwealth. It is about building networks and support systems and providing resources to help Fund the work of the Foundation and its partners” says Paul Easton, Friends Project Manager.

Friends will work in partnership with many Commonwealth organisations and associations. Coming together as individuals, it will welcome the involvement of everyone who has an interest in the work and achievements of the Commonwealth.

“Over time, we anticipate that it will become a thriving group of Friends from around the Commonwealth, drawn together by a wish to learn more, share more and achieve more, by supporting common causes and projects,” said Collins.