Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif will arrive in Sri Lanka on November 14 to represent Pakistan at the 53-member Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). Besides attending the Inaugural, Executive and Retreat Sessions of the summit, the PM will meet several world leaders on the sidelines of the four-day moot, says a press release by Pakistan High Commission in Colombo, Sri Lanka received here on Tuesday.
The PM's interaction with the heads of governments of Sri Lanka, Australia and New Zealand has also been scheduled. The PM's delegation will include Anusha Rehman, State Minister for Information Technology and Telecom, Syed Tariq Fatemi, PM's Special Assistant and Jalil Abbas Jilani, Secretary Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Major General Qasim Qureshi (Retd) expressed confidence that PM Nawaz Sharif's visit would not only enhance Pakistan's standing amongst the Commonwealth nations but would also open up new vistas of co-operation between Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
The participation of PM Sharif at the summit is highly significant as it would strengthen Pakistan's relationship with Commonwealth that has always supported democracy in the country. In view of the special relationship between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, Foreign Minister G L Peiris made a personal call on PM Nawaz Sharif in Islamabad on August 23, to hand over President Mahinda Rajapaksa's letter of invitation to attend CHOGM Summit. The Commonwealth leaders who meet every two years represent world's largest and smallest, richest and poorest countries which are home to two billion citizens of all faiths and ethnicities. The CHOGM provides a unique forum to pursue trade and investment opportunities, strengthen people-to-people links and promote shared values. This year's event with the theme "Growth with Equity; Inclusive Development" will provide an opportunity for Commonwealth leaders to meet in Sri Lanka to discuss world issues relevant to building a strong and secure future for all.
The Forum will provide a unique opportunity for delegates to contribute and present key policy recommendations to CHOGM, learn about new business and investment opportunities, conduct business with other international partners, network with key government and business leaders, and influence the debate on important trade and investment issues. Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa will host the Heads of Government Meeting and take over as chair for next two years till the next CHOGM Summit in 2015.