Mahathir arrives in New York for UN General Assembly

Malaysian Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad has arrived in New York to join other world leaders at the 74th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

The aircraft carrying him landed at the Westchester County Airport, also known as White Plains Airport, located northeast of New York City, about 12.40pm yesterday (12.30am today in Malaysia).

The 94-year-old prime minister is accompanied by his wife Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali.

On hand to welcome them at the airport were Malaysia's Permanent Representative to the UN Syed Md Hasrin Tengku Hussin and its ambassador to the United States, Azmil Mohd Zabidi.

Mahathir kicks off his working visit to the US for UNGA by participating in a high-level side event called the ‘Rohingya Crisis - A Way Forward’, at the UN headquarters soon after his arrival.

Malaysia is the co-host of the event, along with Bangladesh, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Canada.

The prime minister is scheduled to deliver Malaysia’s statement at the general debate of UNGA on Friday.

He is expected to highlight current developments in the world and stress the importance of multilateralism, as well as the need for countries to work together in addressing common challenges.

Dr Mahathir is also scheduled to speak at the ‘Environmental Stewardship in Addressing Poverty to Achieve Sustainable Development for All’ event tomorrow.

Malaysia is the main organiser, with support from Turkey, Pakistan and the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs.

Another highlight of Dr Mahathir’s itinerary is his participation in today’s Leaders Dialogue 6 on ‘The 2020 - 2030 Vision’ in conjunction with the Sustainable Development Goals Summit.

He will also hold bilateral talks with a number of fellow leaders on the sidelines of UNGA, besides attending the World Leaders Forum at Columbia University and meeting with potential investors.

Mahathir is also accompanied on the working visit by Foreign Minister Saifuddin Abdullah and Economic Affairs Minister Azmin Ali.

- Bernama