C’ wealth heads of government meeting begins

 PERTH: Prime Minister, Yusuf Raza Gilani is representing Pakistan in the Commonwealth heads of government meeting (CHOGM) that kicked off Friday here in Western Australia.

The meeting scheduled October 28 to 30 2011 is being attended by the heads of governments of the Commonwealth member countries, while the PM Gilani heading a delegation representing Pakistan in the meeting.

Addressing inaugural meeting Australian Prime Minister, Julia Gillard stressed on bolstering cooperation among the member countries. She said that the common interests of all the countries should be respected.

The theme of the meeting is 'Building National Resilience, Building Global Resilience'.

Every two years, Commonwealth leaders meet at CHOGM to discuss global and Commonwealth issues, and to agree on collective policies and initiatives. CHOGMs are organised by the host nation in collaboration with the Commonwealth Secretariat.

Issues discussed include international peace and security, democracy, good governance, sustainable development, debt management, education, environment, gender equality, health, human rights, information and communication technology, law, multilateral trade issues, small states and youth affairs.