MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Britain's Queen Emphasizes Partnerships

Queen Elizabeth II used her Commonwealth Day message Monday to emphasize the importance of nations working together to build a better world.

"Only together can governments and peoples create just, open and democratic societies," she said in the pre-recorded television message to be broadcast throughout the Commonwealth of Britain and its former colonies.

Formerly known as the British Commonwealth, the Commonwealth's member states include Britain, India, Pakistan, Canada, Australia, many Pacific and Caribbean Island nations and several African states.

The queen said the world's inequalities and poverty were "a great and constant challenge to the notion of the Commonwealth," but the nations could play a key role in helping those left behind economically.

"Under these conditions, peace is often more difficult to sustain while precious natural resources and the environment are threatened, economic growth and activity may be impeded as well as the benefits of modern technology denied to many," she said.