United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres marks his maiden visit; defines India as ‘important partner’

New Delhi, October 1: Marking his maiden visit to India, United States Secretary-General Antonio Guterres arrived on Monday as the head of the world body that coincides with the commencement of events marking the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. The UN chief will meet the top leadership of the country including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and is likely to discuss key global issues such as climate change and terrorism during his three-day visit.

 

Ahead of his visit, the UN chief told that India is an "important partner" of the UN in countering terrorism and preventing violent extremism. UN Chief Guterres also said there are plans to step up cooperation between the UN and India on strengthening capacity in combating terror financing.

During his visit, Guterres will participate in the Mahatma Gandhi International Sanitation Convention and call on PM Modi on October 2. His visit coincides with the beginning of events to celebrate the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi on October 2.

He will also deliver a lecture at the India Habitat Centre on the theme of 'Global challenges, global solutions'. On Tuesday, the UN chief will meet Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan and participate in the second re-invest and first assembly of the International Solar Alliance and energy ministers meet of the Indian Ocean Rim Association member countries. On October 3, Guterres will attend the 'Champions of Earth' ceremony here and meet External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj. The same day, he will visit the Golden Temple in Amritsar and will emplane for New York in the wee hours of October 4. Guterres had visited India in July 2016, just months ahead of the election for Secretary General.