LONDON – Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on the second day ofCommonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in London joined the leaders ofCommon Wealth countries at three retreat sessions of the Summit.
During the retreat sessions held in Windsor Castle, the Prime Ministerinteracted and had detailed discussion on various issues of mutual interestwith several leaders from Commonwealth countries.
The retreat sessions held discussions on the challenges of 21st century andother topics such as health and sustainable development.
Pakistan being a founder member of the 53-member Commonwealth had beenplaying active role in the organization.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi met UK Prime MinisterTheresa May on the sidelines of the Commonwealth leaders retreat at WindsorCastle in London.
The two leaders discussed matters of bilateral interest. The Prime Ministerhighlighting the plight of Kashmiri people urged the internationalcommunity to respond to the current human rights situation in OccupiedKashmir.
He also apprised Theresa May of Pakistan’s efforts in fighting terrorismand extremism. He also underscored the need of strengthening bilateralrelations in trade and investment.
Prime Minister May appreciated Pakistan’s efforts in fightingterrorism. She also appreciated Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi’sefforts for peace in Afghanistan. She underscored the importance ofenhancing trade between the two countries.
Commonwealth leaders have agreed that Prince Charles should follow hismother Queen Elizabeth II as the next head of the organisation.
Queen Elizabeth, earlier told leaders from the 53 member states that it washer wish for her eldest son to succeed her in the symbolic figurehead role.
The non-hereditary role would not have automatically passed to PrinceCharles, with some suggestions it might rotate among the 53 leaders.
Interacting with several leaders on the sidelines of the Commonwealthsummit in London, Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has underlined theimperative need of ensuring justice for the people of occupied lands whocontinue to be subjected to state sponsored oppression.
He said shared goal of shaping peaceful societies will remain elusivewithout guaranteeing fundamental freedoms and resolving disputes.
The Prime Minister also cautioned against indulgence in blame games andpoliticization for domestic and external goals and said such steps are notconducive to address the scourge of terrorism.
Shahid Khaqan Abbasi also highlighted connectivity in the context ofenhancing trade and investment describing CPEC as a model for prosperitynationally and regionally.
Meanwhile, a Delegation of Royal Dutch Shell led by Chief Executive OfficerBen Van Beurden called on Shahid Khaqan Abbasi in London and expressedinterest in further investment in Pakistan.
CEO of Royal Dutch Shell informed the Prime Minister about Shell’s interestin the LNG and Renewable energy sectors of Pakistan as well as investmentsin the more traditional fuels marketing landscape.
Prime Minister also attended a reception hosted by British QueenElizabeth-II for the new Heads of Government from the Commonwealthcountries at Buckingham Palace.