DUSHANBE, September 15, 2011, Asia-Plus -- Tajik Foreign Minister Hamrokhon Zarifi heading the government delegation will depart for New York next week to attend the 66th session of the United Nations General Assembly.

According to the Tajik MFA information department, Zarifi is expected to deliver a statement on behalf of President Emomali Rahmon at the session and take part in a number of events that will be held on sidelines of the session.

During his stay in New York, Tajik minister is also expected to hold a number of bilateral meetings.

The UN General Assembly opened its 66th session at the UN Headquarters in New York on September 13, with veteran Qatari diplomat Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser serving at the helm.

Xinhua reports Al-Nasser, former permanent representative of Qatar to the United Nations who was elected General Assembly president in June, said in his opening speech that the 66th session of the General Assembly is an opportunity for the international community to “define our place in this decisive moment in history," and to " prove that we have the courage, wisdom and tenacity to seek creative and visionary solutions.”

Al Nasser said he suggested the theme “The role of mediation in the settlement of disputes” for the General Debate slated from September 21 to September 27 when world leaders gather to discuss key global issues.  

Al-Nasser defined in his opening remarks four main areas of focus for the session. The first was the need to settle disputes peacefully, a necessity he said has become “more relevant and urgent than ever.”

The second topic of focus will be UN reform and revitalization to meet “current global challenges.”

“The third priority area this session is improving disaster prevention and response,” Al-Nasser said, pointing to what he called an “unprecedented surge” of disasters that have occurred in recent years.  He cited global warming and the shifting of tectonic plates.  “To address these critical issues, we must enhance cooperation among various actors,” he said.

Al-Nasser said that the fourth focus for the session will be “sustainable development and global prosperity,” calling the coming year “vital for pushing forward the sustainable development agenda.”