Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan has confirmed his attendance at the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa, following a formal invitation from King Charles III. The summit, scheduled for next month, marks a significant event as it will be the first CHOGM chaired by King Charles III since he assumed the role of Head of the Commonwealth.

According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, King Charles III reached out to Prime Minister Sharif via a telephone call to extend the invitation. During the call, Sharif expressed that the Samoa meeting would serve as a crucial juncture in the Commonwealth’s history, highlighting the importance of the summit in fostering cooperation among member countries.

The Prime Minister reiterated Pakistan’s dedication to the Commonwealth and the principles outlined in the Commonwealth Charter. He emphasized that the CHOGM would serve as a platform to enhance intra-Commonwealth collaboration on several key issues, including sustainable development, strengthening of democratic institutions, and empowerment of the youth within the Commonwealth nations.

Sharif also expressed his eagerness to discuss climate change with other Commonwealth leaders during the summit, noting Pakistan’s particular vulnerability to its impacts. This topic aligns with King Charles’s well-known commitment to environmental issues and his initiatives aimed at climate sustainability.

In addition to discussing the upcoming summit, Prime Minister Sharif inquired about King Charles’s health and extended his best wishes to Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales following her recent medical treatment. Reflecting on the historical ties between the countries, Sharif recalled the King’s previous visit to Pakistan when he was the Prince of Wales and expressed hope for a future visit by King Charles III and Her Majesty The Queen.