The United States is set to become the centre of intense diplomatic activity this week, with dozens of world leaders gathering in New York for the 81st United Nations General Assembly before Chinese President Xi Jinping begins an official visit for talks with US President Donald Trump.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is expected to travel to New York on Tuesday, 22 September, to attend the General Assembly, according to Iranian state news agency IRNA.
Pezeshkian is expected to use his UN address to set out Tehran’s positions on regional and international developments at a time of particularly strained relations with Washington.
Iran and Middle East in UN spotlight
Reuters identifies Iran and developments in the Middle East among the major issues expected to dominate this year’s General Assembly.
The war in Ukraine and wider questions over the role and effectiveness of the United Nations are also expected to feature prominently during the gathering of world leaders.
The meetings place Trump at the centre of discussions surrounding some of the most pressing international crises, as diplomatic attention turns to New York.
Xi heads to US for Trump talks
A second major diplomatic encounter will follow in Washington.
China’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that Xi Jinping will make an official visit to the United States from 23 to 25 September at Trump’s invitation.
It will be the second meeting between the two leaders within six months.
According to Reuters, Beijing said Xi and Trump would hold “in-depth” discussions on China-US relations as well as major international issues.
A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Beijing wants to strengthen dialogue, manage differences and expand cooperation between the two countries.
Trade, AI and Taiwan on agenda
The meeting comes as Washington and Beijing attempt to manage a wide range of unresolved issues, including trade, tariffs, Artificial Intelligence and Taiwan.
American and Chinese officials have already held discussions in New York ahead of the summit, focusing on trade and AI-related matters.
The two countries remain closely economically connected despite continuing disputes over technology, trade policy and geopolitical competition.
High-stakes week for Washington
The timing of the UN General Assembly and Xi’s visit underscores the diplomatic importance of the week for Washington.
Trump will first confront the major international crises dominating discussions in New York before hosting the Chinese leader for one of the year’s most significant bilateral meetings.
Unlike many other world leaders travelling to New York, Xi is not expected to participate in the UN General Assembly.
According to Reuters, the Chinese president has instead chosen to focus on his direct talks with Trump during his visit to the United States.
