Pakistan has important role in Commonwealth countries: Gilani
ISLAMABAD, Oct 26 (APP): Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani on Wednesday said that Pakistan being a full member of the Commonwealth and having “thorough interaction” with the member states, has an important role in the Commonwealth countries. “Pakistan’s membership of Commonwealth, which was suspended during the military regime of Gen Musharraf, was restored only when I took over as a democratic Prime Minister,” Gilani told reporters here before leaving for Perth, Australia. The Prime Minister, who is accompanied by Commerce Minister Makhdoom Amin Fahim, will represent Pakistan at the 54-member Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) being held at Perth, Australia, to discuss global issues.
Gilani said the event would also provide him a unique opportunity to hold bilateral meetings with various heads of government of Commonwealth countries and added that Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar had already reached Australia.
 During the meetings with various heads of government, the Prime Minister said all issues of mutual interest, with focus on counter-terrorism efforts, would be discussed.
 About relations with Australia, the Prime Minister said Pakistan and Australia had been cooperating in various fields in the past, particularly in the agriculture sector.
 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, reinforce the strong people-to-people links and promote their shared values.
 The event with the theme 2011: “Building National Resilience, Building Global Resilience” - will provide an opportunity for Commonwealth leaders to meet in Australia to discuss world issues relevant to building a strong and secure future for all.
 A number of parallel events will take place including the Commonwealth Business Forum 2011, in collaboration with the Commonwealth Business Council (CBC), Australian and Western Australian governments and the private sector.
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.