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. These Advance Visits offer an opportunity for Member States to assess Samoa’s preparations and hosting obligations, focusing on logistics, accommodation for Heads of Governments, and transportation details.
Prior to the physical visit, a virtual Advance Visit was held on Monday, 8 July 2024, allowing members who could not attend in person to tour the CHOGM venues remotely. It is customary for the host Government to schedule advance visits at least four months before CHOGM, enabling member countries to send security, protocol, and operational experts to the host country for advance planning information.
The two-day program began with a briefing for delegates by the CHOGM 2024 Organising Committee, led by Ms. Peseta Noumea Simi, Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The session covered various aspects of CHOGM arrangements, including protocol and airport facilitation, security, accreditation, accommodation, transportation, venues, media and communications, health and emergency services, catering, and receptions.
Following a Q&A session and a presentation by New Zealand Immigration on Visa Arrangements, delegates visited the main CHOGM meeting venues, the Heads of Government Retreat location, Leaders’ and Foreign Ministers’ hotels, and other official function sites.
The Advance Visit concluded on Thursday evening with bilateral meetings for each delegation to address any remaining questions and concerns. A total of 41 delegates from eleven Commonwealth member countries, including Resident Missions in Apia, participated. The second Advance Visit is scheduled for the end of this month.
