The United Nations General Assembly kicked off earlier today in New York, with US President Donald Trump being one of the first speakers.
President Trump’s speech was, however, largely predictable as used it as an opportunity to elicit his alleged political achievements, including lower poverty, lower infant mortality, lower crime, a stronger military and a safer world. He then turned to Iran, which he described as the bully of the Middle East and said that it was no longer a bully. He also warned that the United States could “annihilate” Iran if it failed to reach a peace agreement.
However, President Trump hinted at further action against Cuba as he promised that its military dictatorship will fall.
Turkey’s President Tayyip Erdoğan also took the podium and called for a Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, reiterating Turkey’s long-standing position in favour of an independent and territorially contiguous Palestinian state. Palestine and Gaza formed a major part of President Erdoğan’s message, with the Turkish President calling for stronger international action and greater recognition of Palestinian statehood. He also praised Syria’s efforts at normalisation and stabilisation, presenting the country’s recent political transition and improving regional relations as an opportunity for reconstruction and greater regional stability.
French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to give his speech later on today.
Meanwhile, Malta’s Deputy Prime Minister and Health Minister Ian Borg made an appearance at the Assembly, having been seated next to the Prime Minister. Minister Borg was also the previous Foreign Minister before being succeeded by Chris Fearne. Ian Borg has served as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Health since the June Cabinet reshuffle, while Fearne currently holds the foreign affairs portfolio.
Malta also held diplomatic engagements on the sidelines.
You can follow the speeches here.
Newsroom
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