Editor in Chief: Moh. Reza Huwaida Friday, March 29th, 2024

Karzai Off to NY to Attend UN General Assembly

Karzai Off to NY  to Attend UN General Assembly

KABUL - President Hamid Karzai left Kabul for the US on Monday morning to attend the 66th United Nations General Assembly that begins in New York on Wednesday. Expected to highlight the issues facing Afghanistan and the region at large, Karzai would stress the need for continued international support in his speech.

On the sidelines of the General Assembly, he would meet world leaders, including his US, Iranian, Maldivian, Kyrgyz and British counterparts.

Additionally, Karzai is scheduled to meet UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, NATO chief Anders Fogh Rasmussen, Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan and German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle.

According to a statement from his office, Karzai will renew his call for a joint fight against terrorism, efforts for lasting peace and strengthening political, cultural and economic ties among UN member states.

He will also address a gathering at the US Foreign Policy Council on Friday, and share Afghanistan's perspectives on peace and an effective approach to the war on terrorism.

At his meeting with US President Barack Obama, Karzai will discuss the strategic cooperation accord and other issues of mutual interest. This will be the first meeting between the two leaders since Obama announced in April the US pullout plan and transition of security to Afghan forces.

Karzai is accompanied by his Foreign Minister Zalmai Rassoul, National Security Advisor Dr. Rangin Dadfar Spanta, senior advisor Ashraf Ghani and other officials.