President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu is headed to the United States, for the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 79).

The Maldivian leader departed from Velana International Airport (VIA) for New York City after sundown on Friday.

A high-level delegation of senior government officials is accompanying the president as part of the trip.

The President’s Office revealed that the high-level delegation will play an active leadership role throughout the trip.

The Maldivian leader will deliver his address at the GA on September 24.

Further, he is scheduled to take part in the Summit of the Future, co-chair key interactive dialogues and deliver speeches at multiple side events.

In addition to this, the Maldivian leader will engage in a series of bilateral and multilateral discussions with several state and government leaders.

According to the President’s Office, the visit holds significance as it marks Muizzu’s first appearance at the UNGA and coincides with the 59th anniversary of the Maldives' membership in UN.

The president and his delegation will conclude the official visit and return home on September 29.

Prior to his departure, Muizzu met with specific media outlets invited by the President’s Office at the airport.

Speaking to press, the president is to have shed light on the importance of meeting and working with various parties who can benefit the Maldives and that given the situation the country is presently in, it was crucial to visit the UN and convey the necessary messages on behalf of the Maldives.

The President’s Office stated that the president shed light on the significance of discussing environmental issues, technology, development, and other matters crucial for the future of the Maldives. He also highlighted the opportunity to seek assistance from the UN, various countries, and organizations.

The president is to have assured the press that his visit would be “fruitful” and would give “productive” results.