PR No.169 ADVISER SARTAJ AZIZ REPRESENTS PAKISTAN AT THE COMMONWEALTH MINISTERIAL ACTION GROUP (CMAG) MEETING IN LONDON Washington DC: March 17, 2017

Mr Sartaj Aziz, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs, represented Pakistan at the 50th Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG), meeting held in London on 17th March 2017.

 

. H.E Syed Ibne Abbas, Pakistan High Commissioner to the UK accompanied the Adviser.

 

In his remarks, the Advisor appreciated the role of the CMAG in upholding the Commonwealth core values. The Advisor assured the delegates that Pakistan attaches great importance to the role of the Commonwealth and its attached organizations in promoting peace, development and democracy. He underscored the significance of continuous engagement of the Commonwealth Secretariat with member states.

 

The meeting was chaired by Ioannis Kasoulides, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Cyprus and was attended by Foreign Ministers and Advisors of various Commonwealth countries. The CMAG appreciated the opportunity to have an exchange of views on this important forum. The delegates were briefed by Secretary General Commonwealth, Hon Patricia Scotland, on her ongoing engagements with member governments to strengthen democratic processes. The CMAG acknowledged and welcomed 2017 Commonwealth theme “A Peace Building Commonwealth”. Deliberations were also made on youth empowerment as tool for achieving sustainable development and peace.

 

On this occasion Adviser Aziz had a useful discussion with His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales. HRH Prince Charles conveyed his appreciation for strong bilateral relations between Pakistan and the UK, and expressed best wishes for the Government and the people of Pakistan. The Adviser reiterated invitation to HRH Prince Charles to visit Pakistan. The Prince of Wales was delighted to accept the invitation and stated that he was looking forward to the warm hospitality of the Government and people of Pakistan at his earliest convenience.

 

In his brief interaction with Secretary General Commonwealth, Adviser Aziz, reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to work with the Commonwealth. He also put an emphasis on even more active role of the organization in enhancing intra Commonwealth trade linkages.

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