Pakistan to contribute towards Commonwealth objectives: PM

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan is ready to contribute to the collective endeavours of the Commonwealth of Nations for development of the youth.

The prime minister released a video message to the ongoing Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministerial Meeting at Kigali, Rwanda. Minister for State Hina Rabbani Khar is leading Pakistan’s delegation to the meeting.

PM Shehbaz Sharif said more than 60 percent of the total population of commonwealth countries comprises youth.

He said Pakistan will play its role in decreasing the digital divide and promoting literacy and skills among younger generations.

He termed digital transformation as the key to achieve innovative, sustainable and comprehensive growth.

Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan will host 10th conference of Commonwealth Youth Affairs Ministers in Islamabad in January next year.

He extended invitation to the ministers of all commonwealth countries to visit and explore the diversity and beauty of Pakistan.

READ MORE: In a Commonwealth address, Prince Charles expresses his grief for slavery

He felicitated President of Rwanda Paul Kagame for hosting the Foreign Ministerial Meeting and expressed hope that the multilateral forum will have positive impact on the common values and aspirations of the Commonwealth.

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson in Kigali, Rwanda on the sidelines of the 26th Heads of Government Meeting.

During the interaction, Pakistan and the United Kingdom agreed to enhance trade and economic partnership. Khar said that they have also exchanged views on Afghanistan and other issues of common concern.

Britain’s Prince Charles addressed the opening session representing his mother, Queen Elizabeth, who has been the Commonwealth’s leader since her reign started in 1952.

Prince Charles expressed great grief over slavery and also admitted that the organization’s roots lie in a terrible time of history, alluding to the slave trade and colonialism.

The Commonwealth, a group of 54 countries mostly former British colonies, represents roughly one-third of mankind and promotes itself as a network of equal partners with common aims such as democracy, peace, and prosperity.