South Korean and Japanese leaders head to New York for UN General Assembly

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi left for New York on Monday to attend the 81st session of the UN General Assembly.

Lee began a three-day visit to New York, where he is scheduled to address the assembly on Tuesday, Yonhap News Agency reported. He is expected to present his administration’s vision for peaceful coexistence on the Korean Peninsula and outline Seoul’s role in tackling global challenges.

The South Korean president is also due to meet UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and seek talks with US President Donald Trump and other world leaders. He will later travel to Mexico for a state visit and talks with President Claudia Sheinbaum on trade, investment and supply-chain cooperation.

Japanese prime minister to address assembly

Takaichi’s departure for New York was delayed by about four hours after Typhoon Dujuan brought heavy rain and strong winds to eastern Japan, Kyodo News Agency reported.

She is scheduled to deliver her first address to the UN General Assembly since taking office and meet Trump on Tuesday.

Other Asian leaders attending

Several other Asian countries are sending their leaders or senior diplomats to the assembly.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman left Dhaka for New York early Monday and is expected to deliver his first General Assembly address on Thursday.

Pakistan’s delegation will be led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who is due to address the assembly on Friday. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, who has already arrived in New York, will accompany him.

India’s delegation will be headed by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who is scheduled to speak on Saturday. Indonesia will be represented by Foreign Minister Sugiono, leading the delegation on behalf of President Prabowo Subianto, according to state news agency Antara.

Malaysia’s Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan is also set to represent his country during the General Debate. He is expected to reiterate Kuala Lumpur’s positions on reform of the UN Security Council and international peace and security.