PRIME Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad will outline important details of Malaysia’s foreign policy when he delivers his speech at the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Friday.

Dr Mahathir, who will lead the Malaysian delegation to the 73rd Session of the United Nations General Assembly was also set to defend Malaysia’s stance and principles on issues of interest to the nation.

Foreign Minister Saifuddin Abdullah said the prime minister’s speech was crucial to his ministry as it would delve into the country’s new foreign policy following the change in the country’s administration after the 14th general election.

“This is not the first time the prime minister has addressed the UN General Assembly, but this is a first for Dr Mahathir as the leader of the new government and for us at the Foreign Ministry, we are looking forward to it,” he told Malaysian media covering the assembly in New York today.

Saifuddin said accompanying the prime minister were his wife, Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali, Defence Minister Mohamad Sabu, Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad, and several senior government officials.

In addition to his speech at the UN, Dr Mahahir is expected to have a packed five-day schedule in New York, beginning with a dialogue session with members of the United States Council on Foreign Relations to discuss Malaysia’s relationship with the United States.

Next, the prime minister will join the Bloomberg Global Business Forum in a panel discussion titled Emerging Global Trade Relationship.

Saifuddin said on Thursday, Dr Mahathir will deliver a speech titled Insight on How Malaysia Will Meet the Challenges Confronting  Security, Prosperity and Sustainability in Asia.

On the same day, Dr Mahathir will also deliver a keynote address at the Achieving SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals): Unleashing the Potential of Islamic Finance event at the UN headquarters organised by the Securities Commission of Malaysia, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Islamic Development Bank (IDB).

Dr Mahathir is also scheduled to be interviewed by several American newspapers, including the Washington Post, New York Times and Wall Street Journal.

“The prime minister will also meet with leading entrepreneurs and potential investors from the United States during the visit,” he said.

Dr Mahathir will conclude his visit by having dinner with Malaysians living in New York and surrounding areas.

Saifuddin said his ministry had received numerous requests from leaders of other nations seeking meetings with Dr Mahathir during the period, adding any meetings would be announced later. – Bernama, September 23, 2018.