Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has left New Delhi this morning to attend the United Nations General Assembly meeting in New York.

In his departure statement, the Prime Minister confirmed that he would be meeting his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif during his visit to the US. Dr. Singh also said he looks forward to bilateral meetings with other leaders of some neighbouring countries including Bangladesh and Nepal during the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly meeting in New York. Singh and Sharif are expected to meet in New York on September 29.
The issue of terrorism emanating from Pakistan is expected to figure prominently in the meeting between Singh and Sharif.India has maintained that terrorism emanating from
Pakistan and territories held under its control are a matter of concern.

In his statement, Dr. Singh who is scheduled to meet US President Barack Obama in Washington on Friday, said Indo-US ties have transformed into a global strategic partnership. Dr. Singh said, New Delhi sees the US as a long term partner in India's development efforts and in fostering a global environment conducive for the country's growth.

The Prime Minister said, for India, the US remains a key source of technology, investment, innovation and resources and one of the most important destination for our goods and services.
The Prime Minister said, during his address to the UN General Assembly, he will convey India's strong conviction that global challenges are best addressed through a nmultilateral approach with the United Nations at its Centre. He also stressed the need for early reforms in institutions of global, political and economic governance particularly the United Nations Security Council so that UN can play an effective and credible role.