The Commonwealth Charter sets out the values and principles which guide and motivate all the member states, Her Majesty The Queen Elizabeth, Head of the Commonwealth has pointed out in a message on the occasion of the Commonwealth day that is celebrated each year on March 12th.

In her message, released Monday, the Queen points out that «experiences of life differ widely throughout the Commonwealth, and we each make contributions from sometimes very different viewpoints. However, we are committed to the same goals and together we offer each other encouragement and draw strength from this mutual support.»

“The understanding that we belong together, and are able, through teamwork, to achieve far more than we could do alone, has always been at the heart of our approach.  For all of us this is now captured in the Commonwealth Charter which sets out the values and principles which guide and motivate us”, the Queen underlines in her message.

She also states that this year, more children and young people are participating in Commonwealth Day celebrations, pointing out that advances in technology enable us to reach a greater number of young people in schools, on-line using the `Commonwealth Class` initiative, and through events in local communities where the Commonwealth flag is being raised.

“I am delighted that in this, the year of `Team Commonwealth`, we will be working to build a brighter, united future in which every one of us can play a part and share in its rewards”, she says.

In her message, Her Majesty the Queen also makes references to the upcoming 20th Commonwealth Games to take place in July, saying that “the Games will be marked by the arrival in Glasgow of the baton that started its journey from Buckingham Palace five months ago”.

“Many of us are following closely the news of the baton relay as it passes through the 70 countries and territories whose teams will gather for the Games.  The images bring vividly to life what we mean by the Commonwealth family: it is wonderful to see the warmth, shared endeavour and goodwill as the baton is passed through the hands of many thousands of people”, she says.

In her message the Queen also states that affinities of history and inheritance from the past are strong, yet we are bound together by a sense that the Commonwealth is a powerful influence of good for the future.

“People of all ages from different cultures are weaving an ever-growing network of links which connect us in our diversity and our common purpose. It is this unity that is expressed in this year`s theme: `Team Commonwealth`”, the Queen says.

“While national teams will be concentrating on the competition in August, Team Commonwealth will have a longer focus, working together to achieve a more enduring success”, the message concludes.

The Republic of Cyprus became a member of the Commonwealth in 1961, a year after it gained its independence from Britain.