Pretoria - President Jacob Zuma arrived in Perth, Australia, on Thursday ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of State and Government Meeting (CHOGM) scheduled to take place there from Friday.
Every two years, Commonwealth leaders meet at CHOGM to discuss global and Commonwealth issues, and to agree on collective policies and initiatives
Issues discussed include international peace and security, democracy, good governance, sustainable development, debt management, education and environment, amongst others.
The Presidency said the items under discussion at this year's meeting were in line with South Africa's Constitution and the country's foreign policy objectives.
South Africa supported the reform of global political and economic organisations.
"As incoming President of the 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the 7th Meeting of the Parties (CMP7) serving as the Conference of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol, CHOGM 2011 is of great importance to South Africa to interact on the issue of climate change," a statement read.
Officials said President Zuma will take advantage of the meeting to hold bilateral discussions with his counterparts from various Commonwealth countries on matters of mutual concern.
He is accompanied by International Relations and Cooperation Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, Mineral Resources Minister Susan Shabangu and other senior government officials.
