King Charles invites Pakistani premier to Commonwealth summit

KARACHI, Pakistan

King Charles III has invited Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to the upcoming Commonwealth summit via phone call, according to an official statement released Wednesday.

Sharif accepted the invitation to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), which will be held next month in the US territory of American Samoa, the prime minister’s office said in a statement.

Sharif said the upcoming summit would be a “significant moment” in the history of the Commonwealth, as it will be the first summit chaired by King Charles since he became head of the Commonwealth.

He reiterated Islamabad’s commitment to the Commonwealth and the values enshrined in the organization’s charter.

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

Noting King Charles’ “longstanding” interest in environmental issues and initiatives for climate sustainability, Sharif said he especially looked forward to engaging with Commonwealth leaders on climate change, as Pakistan is highly vulnerable to its impacts.

Sharif also conveyed his best wishes for Princess of Wales Kate Middleton, who has successfully completed her chemotherapy treatment.

The CHOGM brings together delegations from 56 nations from Africa, the Caribbean and Americas, Europe, Asia, and the Pacific.