ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is scheduled to meet US President Donald Trump on September 23 on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.
President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump will host a reception dinner for heads of state and government attending UNGA 81.
The dinner will take place at the Lotte New York Palace Hotel on Madison Avenue on September 23, The News reported on Sunday, citing high-level sources.
PM Shehbaz has already received an invitation to the dinner. Several world leaders will also attend the gathering.
The event will give the prime minister an opportunity to interact with other heads of state and government.
First Trump-Shehbaz Meeting in Seven Months
The meeting with President Trump would mark their first face-to-face interaction in seven months.
Their previous interaction came after the Board of Peace meeting in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt.
PM Shehbaz is scheduled to arrive in New York from London a day before the reception.
He will address the UN General Assembly on September 25.
PM Shehbaz to Raise Indus Waters Treaty Issue
During his UNGA address, the prime minister is expected to raise India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT).
He is likely to cite the recent verdict of the Permanent Court of Arbitration, which rejected India’s contention.
According to the sources, several countries have assured Islamabad of support for its position, in addition to Pakistan’s traditional allies.
The prime minister will also highlight the Kashmir dispute.
He is expected to describe the dispute as a continuing threat to regional and global peace.
PM Shehbaz will outline Pakistan’s role in promoting regional peace. He will also discuss its diplomatic efforts for a ceasefire and cessation of hostilities in the Middle East.
Pakistan to Highlight Security and Counterterrorism Efforts
The prime minister is also expected to refer to the trilateral collective security arrangement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye.
The three countries signed the agreement in Makkah last month.
PM Shehbaz will brief the international community on Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts.
He is also expected to raise concerns over India-sponsored terrorism in Pakistan.
According to the sources, he will discuss the alleged use of Afghan territory as a conduit for such activities.
PM Shehbaz to Meet Bangladesh Prime Minister
PM Shehbaz is expected to meet several world leaders on the sidelines of the UNGA session.
These meetings will include Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
It is expected to be the first meeting between the two prime ministers.
The high-level General Debate of the 81st UN General Assembly will take place from September 22 to 26 at the UN headquarters in New York.
The UN Secretariat has issued the schedule of addresses by participating world leaders.
PM Shehbaz is scheduled to be the fourth speaker during the second half of the session on September 25.
Modi to Skip UNGA Again
The sources said Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi would not attend the UNGA for the second consecutive year.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to address the General Assembly on September 24.
Afghanistan is scheduled to be among the final speakers on the concluding day of the session, according to the schedule cited by the sources.
