NEW YORK, September 22: Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has arrived in New York to attend the high-level segment of the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), where he is scheduled to address the world body on September 25.

Sharif was received at the airport by Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and senior officials are also accompanying the prime minister during his UNGA engagements.

During his address, Sharif is expected to present Pakistan’s position on regional and global developments, with emphasis on dialogue, diplomacy and the peaceful resolution of conflicts. His agenda is also expected to cover sustainable development, climate change, counterterrorism, Islamophobia, global economic challenges and reform of the United Nations.

The prime minister is also scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with world leaders and the UN secretary-general on the sidelines of the General Assembly session.

The high-level debate of the 81st UNGA is being held from September 22 to 26, with a concluding sitting scheduled for September 28. The official theme of this year’s session is “Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations That Delivers for All.”

Sharif’s visit comes amid major regional and international security challenges. Pakistan’s Prime Minister’s Office has said that the country will highlight the importance of diplomatic engagement, regional stability and peaceful solutions to ongoing conflicts.