Prime Minister Gilani calls off visit to New York

Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has decided not to proceed to New York to participate in the 66th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, in order to personally supervise relief efforts in flood affected areas in southern Pakistan as well as efforts to control the dengue epidemic which has affected Punjab and other parts of the country.

Prime Minister had a very busy schedule for his stay in New York. In addition to his address plenary of the UN General Assembly, a number of meetings had been finalized with world and corporate leaders. These included, among others, meetings with Presidents of Afghanistan, Iran and Sri Lanka, Prime Minister of Belarus, Secretary General NATO, and President of the European Commission.

Prime Minister’s visit was part of Pakistan’s policy of regional and global outreach. He would have also sought support for Pakistan’s forthcoming election to the Non-Permanent seat of the UN Security Council.

The Prime Minister has nominated Foreign Minister Ms. Hina Rabbani Khar to lead the Pakistan delegation to the 66th Session of the UNGA.

Islamabad
16 September 2011

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