UNGA president-elect arrives in Pakistan on two-day visit

Bozkir will also meet Prime Minister Imran Khan

ISLAMABAD:

The president-elect of the United Nations General Assembly, Volkan Bozkir, arrived in Islamabad on Sunday on a two-day visit to the country. 

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi will have wide-ranging talked with Bozkir. The talks are expected to focus on the three main pillars of the United Nations which include, peace and security, development and human rights, said a statement from the Foreign Office (FO).

The UNGA president-elect will also meet Prime Minister Imran Khan.

On June 21, Qureshi had congratulated Turkey’s Bozkir on his election as the president of the next session of the UNGA.

“On behalf of the people and government of Islamic Republic of Pakistan, I would like to extend my warm felicitation on your unanimous election by all member states as the President of the historic 75th Session of the UN General Assembly,” Qureshi said in a letter.

He said Bozkir’s unanimous election reflects the international community’s “trust and confidence” in his abilities to lead the UNGA “at this time of unprecedented global health and economic challenges.”

Qureshi reiterated Pakistan’s “complete support and cooperation” and expressed faith in the Turkish diplomat’s abilities: “While the task is momentous, we truly believe that you are well suited to guide us with your wisdom and vision through these challenges.”

Bozkir, the first Turkish national to head the UNGA, will take office in September and hold the post for one year. He is currently a ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party lawmaker from Istanbul and head of the Turkish parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee.