Economy, terror, Gulf, North Africa focus of PM UN visit
September 21st, 2011 - 6:06 pm ICT by IANS
New Delhi, Sep 21 (IANS) Prime Minister Manmohan Singh left for the UN Wednesday calling upon all countries to collectively address the multiple challenges the world is facing today such as economic slowdown, terrorism and unrest in West Asia and North Africa.
“More than ever before, it is imperative for all countries to act in concert to address these challenges. This is the time for UN to resume its global leadership role,” the prime minister said in a statement as he left on the six-day trip.
“During my visit, I look forward to holding bilateral meetings with the presidents of Iran, South Sudan and Sri Lanka, and the prime ministers of Japan and Nepal,” said the prime minister, off to attend the 66th Session of the UN General Assembly.
His delegation includes External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna, his Principal Secretary T.K.A. Nair, National Security Advisor Shiv Shankar Menon and Foreign Secretary Ranjan Mathai.
“The UN General Assembly is meeting this year at a time when the world is faced with multiple challenges. The global economy is in the midst of an economic slowdown coupled with all its attendant problems, including inflationary pressures,” the prime minister said.
“West Asia, North Africa and Gulf regions have seen major upheavals and there is uncertainty about the shape of things to come in this crucial part of the world in the period ahead. The Palestine question remains unresolved,” he said.
He also said terrorism and non-traditional threats to international security, such as piracy, were threatening states and the international political and social order and called for collective action to address all these issues.
According to the prime minister, his latest visit to the UN also comes against the backdrop of India once again becoming a non-permanent member of the Security Council, since January this year, after a gap of 19 years.
“Our efforts at promoting international peace and security and bringing to bear a developing country perspective have, I believe, enriched the Council’s deliberations and enhanced its effectiveness,” he said.
“The UN must be seen as an impartial, credible and effective body. I will stress the need for early reform of this unique organization, particularly an expansion of its Security Council.”
The current UN session started Sep 13. This year, the general debate and addresses by the heads of delegation is scheduled Set 21-30. Manmohan Singh is set to address the General Debate on the morning of Sep 24.
- Manmohan Singh at UN: Focus on terror, economy, reforms - Sep 22, 2011
- PM's departure statement for UN visit - Sep 21, 2011
- India to raise economic crisis at UN, seek inclusive growth - Sep 17, 2011
- Regular dialogue mechanism key to addressing security issues: Antony - Feb 13, 2012
- India ready to play its part to meet global challenges: PM - Sep 24, 2011
- New Foreign Secretary Mathai pushes talks with Pakistan (Lead) - Aug 01, 2011
- PM to leave for UN meet Sep 21 - Sep 20, 2011
- India calls for UN reforms, unrelenting war against terror (Roundup) - Sep 24, 2011
- India to push for global counter-terrorism convention at UN - Sep 17, 2011
- Nine ministers make a beeline for the US - Sep 23, 2011
- UN chief lauds India's role in Security Council - Apr 27, 2012
- G4 to meet on UN reforms in New York - Sep 17, 2011
- Manmohan Singh seeks UN reforms - Sep 24, 2011
- Manmohan set to go to New York for UN meet - Sep 01, 2011
- India to back resolution on UN membership to Palestine - Sep 17, 2011
Tags: africa focus, bilateral meetings, economic slowdown, external affairs minister, global leadership role, gulf regions, international peace, manmohan singh, mathai, national security advisor, palestine question, prime minister manmohan, prime minister manmohan singh, prime ministers of japan, promoting international, shape of things, shiv shankar menon, south sudan, traditional threats, west asia