New York: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has arrived in the United States today to attend the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly. During his visit, Sharif will address the assembly, engage in key international discussions, and meet with numerous global leaders to discuss various critical issues, including climate change, regional security, and economic cooperation.

According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Prime Minister Sharif’s agenda includes participating in the Sustainable Development Goals 2024 Moment and a high-level open debate of the United Nations Security Council titled ‘Leadership for Peace’. He will also address the looming threats of rising sea levels during his engagements.

The Prime Minister is scheduled to meet with several prominent figures such as UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, President of the General Assembly Philemon Yang, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and the founders of the Gates Foundation, Bill Gates. Discussions will also be held with World Bank President Ajay Banga and the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, Kristalina Georgieva.

A special meeting is set with Mahmoud Abbas, President of Palestine, to negotiate steps to end the ongoing conflict in Palestine and to encourage the international community to take more robust actions. Sharif will also participate in bilateral meetings with leaders of friendly countries and attend significant events hosted by the Sultan of Brunei, Hassanal Bolkiah, and Chief Advisor of Bangladesh, Muhammad Yunus, marking their respective anniversaries of UN membership.

In addition to these diplomatic activities, Prime Minister Sharif plans to engage with the US-Pakistan Business Council and Pakistani bankers to discuss his government’s business and investment-friendly policies. He aims to use this international platform to highlight the challenges faced by climate-vulnerable countries, combat regional terrorism, address global economic issues, and discuss the oppression in Jammu and Kashmir and Palestine.

The delegation accompanying Prime Minister Sharif includes Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, Minister for Education and Professional Training Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, and Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi, indicating the high importance of this visit on multiple fronts.