MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Commonwealth Day address by the Primer Minister.

Commonwealth Day is our opportunity to celebrate what brings us together and to take pride in being part of a Commonwealth of 53 member countries.

This year's Commonwealth Day theme is 'Building a Commonwealth of Freedom'. It is as relevant to people in Britain as to all other Commonwealth citizens around the world. We all share the same desire for the freedom to express ourselves, to vote, to participate in our societies, to develop, to learn and to choose the lives we hope to live. The Commonwealth has been built on promoting such freedoms.

When I met my fellow Commonwealth Heads of Government in Nigeria last December, we discussed issues that matter most to our peoples ? prosperity, security, sustainable development, and the fight against terrorism. The UK brings to the Commonwealth the benefits of its membership of the EU, the G8 and the UN Security Council. These strengths help the Commonwealth focus international attention on making a difference to the lives of millions. The modern Commonwealth counts in the 21st century.

Commonwealth Day is also an important reminder of how much the peoples of the Commonwealth have contributed to Britain's national life and identity. Our diverse multi-cultural society has emerged in large part through our Commonwealth heritage. Commonwealth citizens living in the UK are able to vote in general and local elections, and make a significant contribution to the fabric of our free society.

It is vital that young people are encouraged to share the same enthusiasm for the Commonwealth and help it to keep moving with the times and face the challenges of political and social change. In our schools, knowledge about the Commonwealth is an important part of the national curriculum. I hope the next generation will engage and contribute to strengthening its values.