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Bangladesh’s foreign minister defeats Cyprus’ ambassador to be UN General Assembly president
Rahman won 99 votes in a secret ballot, as the Asia-Pacific Group’s turn to lead the assembly drew a competitive race.
Bangladesh's Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman was elected president of the United Nations General Assembly for its 81st session, defeating Cyprus's candidate Andreas S. Kakouris by 99 votes to 91 in a secret ballot among 193 member states.
The election reflects a competitive race within the Asia-Pacific Group and signals a more contested political environment in the UN General Assembly.
The UN General Assembly president serves a one-year term and presides over plenary meetings, manages debates, and facilitates negotiations on key international issues without setting binding policy.
Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar congratulated Khalilur Rahman on his appointment, praising his diplomatic experience and commitment to multilateralism in a social media post.
The UN General Assembly has elected Bangladesh's foreign minister, Rahman, as its next president. He will succeed current president Baerbock in September, when her term of office regularly ends.