Patricia Scotland attends the 12 Ministerial Conference (MC12) in Geneva

Patricia Scotland- Commonwealth Secretary-General, attended the most awaited 12th Ministerial Conference (MC12) in Geneva as a special guest of the "Conference Chair".

Scotland stated that with World Trade Organization - WTO, the Commonwealth is committed to supporting member states to enhance their trade capacity in response to the economic crisis the world now faces.

She stated that the Commonwealth signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the World Trade Organization that enables to concentrate that small, medium-size businesses and young people, as well as women, get an opportunity to take advantage of the benefits.

"I am delighted to be here to attend the MC12 Trade event, which has been long awaited, the opportunity for the WTO and the Commonwealth to work in partnership in order to respond to the economic crisis that the now faces the world," stated Scotland.

During the conference, Patricia Scotland also met several dignitaries from around the world.

She met the Minister of Trade, PS Ebrima Sisawo of Gambia and discussed the work of small states.

"A pleasure to meet with The Gambia's delegation to MC 12, led by the Ministry of Trade PS, Mr Ebrima Sisawo. We had a good discussion on the work of our Small States office and areas where The Commonwealth can provide support in energy, digital connectivity agenda and tourism,"

She also had an impromptu yet productive meeting with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the Co-operative Republic of Guyana's Foreign Minister, Hugh Hilton Todd, at the Commonwealth's office in Geneva.

The Minister recognised and commended the Commonwealth's stewardship and support to Guyana and member countries, particularly to the Small States and vulnerable economies.

Besides this, Scotland also met with the Seychelles Minister of Finance, National Planning & Trade, Naadir Hassan, and the Small States Office in Geneva and discussed Commonwealth's support to member countries.