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PM to spell out Pakistan stance on global issues

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif arrived in New York on Saturday to lead the Pakistan delegation at the 70th Session of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly, where he will address at five important events, spelling out Pakistan's foreign policy agenda and stance on global issues.
According to the Dawn newspaper, the premier was received at John F. Kennedy International Airport by Pakistan's Ambassador to the UN Dr Maleeha Lodhi, 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 Advisor to the Prime Minister on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz.
Dr Lodhi told reporters that the prime minister has a hectic schedule during his stay in the United States.
She said around 160 world leaders are scheduled to attend this year's UNGA session coinciding with the 70th anniversary of the United Nations.
The advisor to the premeir termed it a historical event, adding that it would be a vital opportunity to put Pakistan's stance on world stage.
Dr Lodhi said around 90 per cent of the world's leaders would be attending the event and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had a number of bilateral meetings lined up.
The prime minister will address the UNGA 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, Nawaz 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 also 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.
The premier during his speeches at different events will stress Pakistan's continuing strong role and engagement with the UN and the international community to promote collective responses to the multifaceted challenges of global peace, security and development.
Aziz on Saturday met Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al Hamad Al Sabah on the sidelines of the UNGA, with both sides agreeing to increase cooperation in counterterrorism and to promote Kuwaiti investment in Pakistan.
The two envoys reviewed ongoing bilateral cooperation and identified scope of improvement in areas of counterterrorism and defence cooperation.
Foreign minister Al Sabah, who is the chairman of the Kuwait Fund, expressed his keen interest in utilising this instrument for future investments and projects in Pakistan. In this regard, the two sides decided to explore possible areas of cooperation, particularly in the sectors of health and education.
On the occasion, Aziz highlighted the problems faced by Pakistani nationals from the visa regime instituted by the Kuwaiti Government. The Kuwaiti Foreign Minister promised to address the issue.
Sabah also appreciated the role of skilled and semi-skilled labour force from Pakistan which has contributed in the development of Kuwait.

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