New UN General Assembly president details priorities

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The 72nd United Nations General Assembly officially kicks off with a new president at its helm. Slovakian diplomat Miroslav Lajcak has assumed the office for the coming year and promises to focus his attention on preventing the conflicts that have triggered mass migrations to Europe.

In an exclusive interview with CGTN, Lajcak elaborated on his key priorities for the deliberative body and its 193 member states.

In May, the UN General Assembly elected Slovakia's foreign minister as its new president by an overwhelming majority, but who is Lajcak?

Miroslav Lajcak takes his oath as the UN General Assembly president, September 11, 2017. /Twitter Screenshot

Lajcak's diplomatic career spans 30 years. He is a three-term foreign minister who worked at Slovakia's embassy in Moscow, served as ambassador to former Yugoslavia and was the youngest ambassador posted in Japan.

He is also known for his 2016 bid to become the next UN secretary general, losing to Antonio Guterres. Now, together, they will be working on issues including migration, climate action, conflict prevention and UN reforms.

The General Assembly is the UN's largest body, where all 193 members have equal say, and for the next year, Miroslav Lajcak will serve as the maestro of this orchestra of nations.

Lajcak expects China's important role in global affairs

Lajcak on Tuesday expressed hope that China can continue to play an important role in world affairs.

"I am glad to see China play a very important role, being a leader on a number of global issues. And I wish to see China continue playing this role and speak not only in its national capacity, but speak as a promoter of the UN agenda," Lajcak told reporters after opening the 72nd session of the General Assembly.

Peter Thomson (L), president of the 71st session of the UN General Assembly, passes the gavel on to Miroslav Lajcak (R), president of the 72nd session, as UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres (C) looks on. /UN Photo

At the first plenary session of the assembly, Lajcak promised to work with member states. He told delegates that "consultations with member states will be a standing priority for me and my office. I want to stress that my door will always be open to you."

(With inputs from Xinhua)

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