Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif arrived in New York Friday to lead the Pakistan delegation to the 70th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, where he is all se to address five important events, spelling out Pakistan’s foreign policy agenda and stance on global issues.
He was received at Kennedy’s international airport by Pakistan’s Ambassador to the UN Dr Maleeha Lodhi and Ambassador to the United States,Jalil Abbas Jilani, and senior officials of the Pakistani mission.
Prime Minister Sharif’s delegation includes Finance Minister Ishaq Dar and his Advisor on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz.
Dr Lodhi told reporters that the Prime Minister has a hectic schedule.
She said around 160 world leaders are scheduled to attend this year’s UNGA Session coinciding with the 70th anniversary of the United Nations. She termed it a historical event, which would be a big opportunity to put Pakistan’s stance on the world’s stage.
She said around 90 per cent of world’s leaders would be attending the event and the Prime Minister had a number of bilateral meetings lined up.
The Prime Minister will address the General Assembly on September 30 and will articulate the government’s vision of a peaceful neighbourhood and economic development, and share with the world community Pakistan’s position and priorities on key international and regional issues.
During his stay at New York from Sept 25 to 30, the Prime Minister will address the UN Summit for the Adoption of the Post-2015 Development Agenda. The comprehensive and transformative Agenda comprising the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) sets a new global development framework for the next 15 years, replacing the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
The Prime Minister will participate in a High-Level Roundtable on South-South Cooperation, and the Global Leaders’ Meeting on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment, being hosted by President Xi Jinping of China.
Prime Minister Sharif during his speeches at different events will stress Pakistan’s continuing strong role and engagement with the United Nations and the international community to promote collective responses to the multifaceted challenges of global peace, security and development.
