Thank you Chair, Madam Prime Minister,
My heartfelt gratitude for the great welcome and the splendid hospitality which you have extended to me, my delegation and all other visiting delegates since our arrival on this beautiful paradise Island.
As the first Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister to set foot on Samoa, I bring profound sentiments of friendship and goodwill from the people and leadership of Pakistan to the people and leadership of Samoa.
It is perhaps no coincidence that the first Summit being hosted by a Pacific Small Island State, at the 75th anniversary of the Commonwealth, is also the first with His Majesty, King Charles III at the helm as the Head of the Organization.
I commend the Samoan government and people for all the tremendous work that has been put into making this event possible and memorable. I also thank His Majesty for his vision and stewardship. We look forward to benefit from his counsel for many years to come.
Availing this opportunity, I acknowledge with gratitude, the role of the Secretary General Commonwealth Rt. Hon. Patricia Scotland for her valuable contributions to the Commonwealth and in driving forward the agenda of the Organization. She has been a true friend of the Commonwealth family. We all deeply value her friendship, especially her priority agenda and advocacy for climate justice. Particularly, for Pakistan, in the aftermath of the devastating floods of 2022. Let me also laud her for the reform agenda she has been pursuing for the Commonwealth family. As she passes on the baton to her successor, we wish her continued success, best of luck in future endeavours and a blessed, happy, healthy long life.
Pakistan is deeply committed to the Commonwealth’s core principles and shared values, of the promotion of democracy and strengthening of democratic institutions, as enshrined in the Commonwealth Charter, which calls for democracy, the rule of law, and respect for human rights, across our diverse membership. These principles not only unify us, but also fortify our collective resilience as democracies.
Pakistan acknowledges the Commonwealth’s pivotal role in supporting free and fair elections, good governance, democratic practices, and access to justice. Commonwealth initiatives have been critical in enhancing the resilience of political systems globally, and we in Pakistan, have benefited immensely from this support. Our close partnership with the Commonwealth reflects our shared aspiration to uphold democratic values, while fostering strong and transparent institutions.
We also recognize the significance and dynamism of the Secretary General’s Good Offices, which we think could play a more constructive role in mediating inter-State disputes. This approach, rooted in respect for the sovereignty of member states, and non-interference in their internal affairs, would prove instrumental in helping member nations in peacefully resolving conflicts, without compromising their democratic integrity. The Commonwealth’s impartial stance promotes dialogue, mutual understanding, and ultimately, stronger democratic institutions.
As far as the Commonwealth’s role in supporting countries to harness the potential of Artificial Intelligence and transformative technologies for development is concerned, let me assure you, that we are keen to harness the power of transformative technologies and digitalization to further enhance our trade and investment potential. We believe that transformative technologies, if utilized appropriately, can unlock the path of progress and development, for our Commonwealth community. Pakistan’s pro-active participation in Commonwealth’s Working Groups on digital economy, and sustainable finance, is reflective of our commitment to integrating innovative solutions, into our economic strategies. By investing in digital infrastructure and embracing e-commerce and fintech solutions, Pakistan aims to create a more connected economy that empowers businesses to access international markets more easily.
Financing for Development is a vital component in our pursuit of sustainable growth and prosperity. As a developing nation, with over 240 million people, Pakistan recognizes the pressing need for investment in education, health, and infrastructure. Yet, we face significant challenges, due to limited access to international financial markets and the impacts of climate change. We urge the global community to prioritize debt relief and restructuring, sustainable investments in resilient infrastructure, enhanced access to climate financing, and digital and financial inclusion, while also advocating strengthened multilateral cooperation, to create a more equitable global financial architecture. Financing for Development is not just an economic issue, but a moral imperative. By implementing innovative and inclusive strategies, we can unlock the potential of developing countries, ensuring that no one is left behind. Pakistan stands ready to collaborate with our partners to achieve our shared development goals.
This forum surely covers political, cultural and democratic subjects, but in my humble opinion, it is high time to consider more focus on economic and financial matters, which are the need of the hour of our members of the Commonwealth fraternity.
Finally, I am happy to reaffirm Pakistan’s abiding solidarity with the Commonwealth fraternity, its 56 distinct and diverse members, representing nations of the Global South and the Global North, united by common legacies, shared convictions and joint aspirations. Together, this fraternity must aim and work hard for a resilient future, which is very much shared, and leads to shared development, peace and prosperity.
Thank You All!
