Final confirmation: PM to address UN General Assembly on Sept 26, says FO
Nawaz is expected to highlight the Kashmir issue
ISLAMABAD:
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif will attend the annual session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York next week, turning his back on the political gridlock created by month-long opposition protest sit-ins in the Pakistani capital.
On Thursday, the Foreign Office announced that the prime minister would leave for the United States on September 24 and address the UN General Assembly session on September 26.
The decision to go ahead with the UN trip came following consultation between the premier and his close aides as well as foreign office officials, according to sources familiar with the development. It is also seen as a brave attempt by the prime minister to boost his standing as a leader on the global stage.
In his address, the premier is expected to focus on a cooperation-based relationship with neighbouring countries, including India and Afghanistan.
He is also expected to highlight the Kashmir issue at the General Assembly, according to Radio Pakistan.
On the sidelines of the UN General Assembly session, Prime Minister Nawaz would participate in an energy conference to explore ways to acquire energy through non-conventional sources.
The premiers of Norway and Denmark are also expected to attend the conference. Along with the US vice president and Japanese prime minister, the premier will co-chair a peace conference to review cooperation among international friends.
According to his itinerary, the prime minister will also participate in a meeting on reforms in the United Nations, where he is expected to highlight the need for harmonising the UN Security Council with new global demands.
The premier will return to the country on September 27 along with his entourage of 14 people, including security personnel.
During the weekly briefing, foreign ministry spokesperson Tasnim Aslam did not rule out the possibility of a meeting between the Pakistani and Indian prime ministers at the sidelines of the UN session.
“Whenever Pakistani leadership attends the UN General Assembly session, the occasion is utilised to interact with other world leaders,” she said in reply to a question about a possible meeting between Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his Indian counterpart.
Tasnim said Pakistan was not concerned about the ongoing visit by Chinese president to India. “The visit will take place as soon as possible,” she added.
She said Islamabad and Beijing were in contact with each other for an early visit of the Chinese president to Pakistan.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 19th, 2014.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif will attend the annual session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York next week, turning his back on the political gridlock created by month-long opposition protest sit-ins in the Pakistani capital.
On Thursday, the Foreign Office announced that the prime minister would leave for the United States on September 24 and address the UN General Assembly session on September 26.
The decision to go ahead with the UN trip came following consultation between the premier and his close aides as well as foreign office officials, according to sources familiar with the development. It is also seen as a brave attempt by the prime minister to boost his standing as a leader on the global stage.
In his address, the premier is expected to focus on a cooperation-based relationship with neighbouring countries, including India and Afghanistan.
He is also expected to highlight the Kashmir issue at the General Assembly, according to Radio Pakistan.
On the sidelines of the UN General Assembly session, Prime Minister Nawaz would participate in an energy conference to explore ways to acquire energy through non-conventional sources.
The premiers of Norway and Denmark are also expected to attend the conference. Along with the US vice president and Japanese prime minister, the premier will co-chair a peace conference to review cooperation among international friends.
According to his itinerary, the prime minister will also participate in a meeting on reforms in the United Nations, where he is expected to highlight the need for harmonising the UN Security Council with new global demands.
The premier will return to the country on September 27 along with his entourage of 14 people, including security personnel.
During the weekly briefing, foreign ministry spokesperson Tasnim Aslam did not rule out the possibility of a meeting between the Pakistani and Indian prime ministers at the sidelines of the UN session.
“Whenever Pakistani leadership attends the UN General Assembly session, the occasion is utilised to interact with other world leaders,” she said in reply to a question about a possible meeting between Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his Indian counterpart.
Tasnim said Pakistan was not concerned about the ongoing visit by Chinese president to India. “The visit will take place as soon as possible,” she added.
She said Islamabad and Beijing were in contact with each other for an early visit of the Chinese president to Pakistan.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 19th, 2014.