Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday accepted an invitation from King Charles III to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa next month.

The invitation was extended during a telephone call made by the British monarch, marking an important milestone as it will be King Charles's first summit as Head of the Commonwealth since ascending the throne.

During the conversation, Prime Minister Shehbaz expressed his gratitude to King Charles and acknowledged the significance of the upcoming meeting.

He stressed that the summit would provide a key platform to discuss pressing global issues, particularly for member nations of the Commonwealth.

PM Shehbaz reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to the Commonwealth and the principles enshrined in its Charter.

The premier also highlighted the importance of enhancing intra-Commonwealth cooperation on critical matters such as sustainable development, democratic governance, and youth empowerment.

The leaders also touched upon shared concerns, particularly on climate change, an issue King Charles has long championed. PM Shehbaz expressed Pakistan’s keen interest in contributing to climate discussions, noting the country’s acute vulnerability to the impacts of climate change.

In a personal exchange, PM Shehbaz inquired about the King’s health and conveyed best wishes for Her Royal Highness, the Princess of Wales, who recently completed medical treatment.

The two leaders also reflected on King Charles’s last visit to Pakistan during his tenure as Prince of Wales, with PM Shehbaz expressing hope that the King would visit Pakistan again soon.

The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa is set to take place next month, where leaders from across the 56-member association will gather to address global challenges and foster closer cooperation within the Commonwealth.