Mahathir to meet Theresa May, several world leaders in New York

NEW YORK: Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who will be arriving here on Tuesday (Sept 25) to lead the Malaysian delegation to the 73rd Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) from Sept 25 to 29, is expected to have a busy schedule, meeting with several heads of state and governments attending the event.
The Prime Minister is scheduled to arrive in New York with his wife Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali at noon on Tuesday from London, where he is on a working visit from Sept 22.
Among the world leaders scheduled to meet Dr Mahathir on the sidelines of the UNGA is British Prime Minister Theresa May.
The two premiers are scheduled to meet on Wednesday (Sept 26), mainly to share on matters such as the global economy and the latest information on Brexit and Malaysia's economic progress.
In their first meeting since Dr Mahathir became prime minister of Malaysia for the second time following Pakatan Harapan's May 9 general election victory, both leaders are also expected to hold discussions on ties between the two countries.
Soon after arriving in New York, Dr Mahathir is also expected to meet Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Tuesday (Sept 25) where the discussion will focus on the situation in West Asia.
Dr Mahathir is also scheduled to meet Qatar Emir Sheikh Tamim Hamad Al Thani and Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena.
On the sidelines of the UNGA, Foreign Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah, who is here to accompany Dr Mahathir, is also expected to meet his Sudanese counterpart Dr Dirdeiry M. Ahmad.
Saifuddin also that said his ministry had received numerous requests from leaders of other nations seeking meetings with Dr Mahathir during the period, adding that details would be announced later.
Dr Mahathir's last speech at the UNGA was nearly 15 years ago, on Sept 25, 2003, about a month before he retired as Malaysia's fourth prime on Oct 31 of that year. — Bernama