PM committed to enhancing cooperation with Maldives

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to enhancing cooperation with the Maldives in the fields of trade, tourism, education, investment and climate change.

He was talking to the President of Maldives Dr Muizzu on the sidelines of the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.

During the meeting, both leaders underscored the deep-rooted ties between Pakistan and the Maldives.

Both leaders agreed on the need for increased people-to-people exchanges and collaborative efforts to promote economic growth and sustainable development in their respective countries.

Earlier, PM Shehbaz Sharif arrived in New York Monday evening to lead Pakistan's delegation at the 79th session of the UNGA, which opens on Tuesday.

The prime minister will go through a hectic schedule during his five-day visit. More than 130 world leaders are set to attend the annual event.

PM Shehbaz Sharif will address the 193-member General Assembly on Sept 27.

Massive security measures are in place in and around the UN complex for the Assembly's high-level debate from Sept 24 to 28.

Before he departed from Islamabad to London last week, PM Shehbaz Sharif said in a post on X that he would "present Pakistan's perspective to the world, advocate our interests, and strengthen international partnerships."

The prime minister is also set to address several summit meetings, including the 'high-level meeting on existential threat posed by sea-level rise', 'SDG Moment 2024', and the UN Security Council's open debate on 'Leadership for Peace'.

During his visit, PM Shehbaz will highlight the impacts of climate change on countries; Pakistan's sacrifices in its fight against terrorism; challenges faced by the debt-burdened countries.