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Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman Elected UNGA President for 81st Session

Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman has been elected President of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar congratulated him, expressing a desire to advance shared priorities and strengthen multilateral cooperation. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and other global leaders also welcomed Rahman's election, citing his political and diplomatic experience. The 81st UNGA session is set to open on September 8, with the high-level General Debate beginning September 22.

Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman elected President of 81st Session of UNGA, EAM Jaishankar congratulates him

New Delhi, June 3

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday extended greetings to Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman on his election as President of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly.

Jaishankar said he looked forward to working closely with the Bangladesh leader to advance shared priorities.

"Congratulations to FM Dr. Khalilur Rahman of Bangladesh on his election as President of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly. Look forward to working closely with him to advance our shared priorities and strengthen multilateral cooperation," Jaishankar said in a post on X.

Responding to Jaishankar's remarks, Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations, Parvathaneni Harish also congratulated Rahman.

"Congratulations to PGA-elect Dr. Khalilur Rahman on his election as PGA81. India will always support multilateralism with the UN at its core. Wish you a very successful tenure," he said in a post on X.

President of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Annalena Baerbock also congratulated Rahman.

"Congratulations to Mr. Khalilur Rahman on his election as President of the General Assembly at its 81st session! At a time when the UN is facing immense pressure, the role of the PGA is no longer simply procedural. I wish the PGA-elect nothing but success in guiding the work of all 193 Member States and defending the UN and its Charter during a particularly consequential 81st session."

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the international organisation will benefit enormously from Rahman's political and diplomatic experience.

"Congratulations to Dr. Khalilur Rahman of Bangladesh on his election as President of the 81st UNGA session. We will benefit enormously from his remarkable political & diplomatic experience. I thank the current President of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly Annalena Baerbock of Germany for her outstanding leadership, wisdom, guidance &commitment to the UN & multilateral solutions."

The 81st session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA 81) will open September 8. The first day of the high-level General Debate will be September 22.

— ANI

Reader Comments

Priya S

Congrats to Bangladesh! But honestly, I hope this doesn't overshadow the rising border tensions near Northeast. Hope he uses this post to address Rohingya crisis and regional stability. Just sayin'.

Michael C

Diplomatic win for Bangladesh, but let's see how he balances ties with India and China. UNGA presidency is tough these days.

Vikram M

Great news! Bangladesh is a close friend and their FM has good experience. Hope he pushes for climate action and trade reforms. India should support him fully. 🇮🇳🤝🇧🇩

Emma D

Congratulations to Dr. Rahman! But UN needs major reforms - veto power, representation etc. Will he push for developing countries' voice? Let's watch.

Siddharth J

Good diplomatic gesture by Jaishankar. India-Bangladesh bonhomie is vital for South Asian peace. Hope Rahman uses his term to strengthen regional cooperation in SAARC and BIMSTEC. 👏

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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