18 Sep 2016

Vice President Mr Mokgweetsi Masisi is in New York, United States of America, for the 71st regular session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA-71).
Mr Masisi, who left September 18, is accompanied by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi, the Minister of Defence, Justice and Security, Mr Shaw Kgathi, the Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, Mr Vincent Seretse and other senior government officials.
A press release from the foreign affairs ministry says the Vice President is scheduled to address the assembly on Friday.
The release also states that Mr Masisi will hold several bilateral meetings as well as participate in high-level discussions and side events, including the US-Africa business forum, a high-level summit addressing the movements of refugees and migrants and the commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the Declaration on the Right to Development.
The 71st regular session of the UNGA commenced on September 13, while the general debate of the session will be held from September 20 to 26.
The release also states that the meeting themed: “Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): A universal push to transform our world” will seek to maintain the momentum gained in 2015 where leaders adopted the 2030 Agenda for SDGs.
On the other hand, Dr Venson-Moitoi is expected to attend the Peace and Security Council Summit on Terrorism and South Sudan as well as a high-level forum under the theme: “One Africa, One Vision” aimed at advancing Africa’s interests at the United Nations and other multilateral fora.
She will also participate in a panel discussion on “Advancing together towards the SDGs: World Conservation Congress Outcomes,” organised by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS).
Vice President Masisi and his entourage are expected to return to home on Sept 26.ENDS