King Charles invites PM Shehbaz to attend Commonwealth summit

ISLAMABAD: In a telephone talk today, King Charles III of the United Kingdom formally invited Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa next month.

According to the press release issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, PM Shehbaz, accepting the invitation, said that the CHOGM in Samoa would be a significant moment in the history of the Commonwealth, being the first summit to be chaired by the King since becoming Head of the Commonwealth.

The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 2024 (CHOGM) will take place in Apia, Samoa from October 21-26, 2024. This will be the first time that King Charles III will head a meeting of the global association since becoming king.

“Prime Minister Sharif reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to the Commonwealth and the values enshrined in the Commonwealth Charter,” the PMO said.

PM Shehbaz added that the CHOGM in Samoa would provide a forum to discuss opportunities for enhancing intra-Commonwealth cooperation on several important issues, such as fostering sustainable development, strengthening democratic institutions, and empowering Commonwealth youth.

Noting the King’s longstanding interest in environmental issues and various initiatives for climate sustainability, the prime minister said that he particularly looked forward to engaging with Commonwealth leaders on climate change, as Pakistan was highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

According to the PM Office statement, the prime minister also inquired about the King’s health and conveyed his best wishes for The Princess of Wales, who had completed her treatment.

“Recalling the fond memories of the King’s last visit to Pakistan, when he was the Prince of Wales, the Prime Minister hoped that the King and Her Majesty The Queen would visit Pakistan soon,” the statement read.