Bangladesh FM Khalilur to visit Russia on 7-9 June

Foreign Minister and President-elect of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Dr Khalilur Rahman is scheduled to visit Russia from 7 to 9 June, according to the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

In a statement, the Russian foreign ministry welcomed Dr Khalilur's election and expressed its readiness to work closely with him during his upcoming term as president of the UN General Assembly.

"Moscow welcomes the intention of the president-elect to give priority to defending the interests of the Global South and East, to promote the rapid achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, to enhance the effectiveness of the General Assembly, and, more broadly, to help restore the UN's central coordinating role in world affairs," the ministry said.

It added that the Russian side is committed to constructive and fruitful cooperation with Dr Khalilur, including during his official visit to Russia from 7 to 9 June.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dhaka has not yet made any official announcement regarding the visit.

Dr Khalilur was elected president of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly in a secret-ballot vote on Tuesday, securing 99 votes against 91 for Cyprus's candidate Andreas Kakouris. A total of 190 ballots were cast, with no invalid votes or abstentions.

Following his election, Dr Khalilur said he was assuming the role "with humility and respect" at a time when confidence in the international system is facing significant challenges.

His presidency will coincide with one of the most consequential processes on the UN calendar - the selection of a successor to UN Secretary-General António Guterres, whose term ends on 31 December 2026.

The 81st session of the General Assembly will formally open on 8 September, with world leaders expected to gather at UN Headquarters in New York later that month for the annual high-level debate.