Australia also values the Commonwealth, an association of 54 countries dedicated to promoting political principles of importance to Australia: democracy, good governance and the rule of law. Australia is one of the largest financial contributors to the Commonwealth and participates actively in its affairs, including taking a leading role in the Commonwealth’s response to the situation in Zimbabwe. Australia hosted the CHOGM (Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting) in 2002 and the Australian Prime Minister subsequently completed his term as the Commonwealth Chairman-in-Office at the end of 2003. Australia (represented by the Foreign Minister) participates in the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group.
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