King Charles invites PM Shehbaz to attend Commonwealth summit

King Charles III has invited Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to the Commonwealth Head of Government Meeting (CHOGM), set to be held in Samoa, in October.

The monarch extended a formal invitation to the Pakistani premier on a phone call.

“It would be a significant moment in the history of the Commonwealth as the summit to be chaired by King since becoming Head of the Commonwealth," the state-run news agency APP quoted Prime Minister Sharif as saying.

According to the press release issued from the Prime Minister's Office, PM Shehbaz expressed his gratitude and accepted the invitation.

“The summit would provide a forum to discuss opportunities for enhancing cooperation on a number of issues, such as fostering sustainable development, strengthening democratic institutions, and empowering youth,” said PM.

The premier noted King’s longstanding interest in environmental issues, climate change and global warming and expressed his eagerness to engage with commonwealth leaders on the issue.

On the call, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also asked about the health and extended his best wishes to the princess of Wales.

Younger Sharif recalled the memories of the King’s last visit to Pakistan when he was the Prince of Wales.

PM Sharif hoped that the King and Her Majesty The Queen would visit Pakistan soon.