General Assembly President María Fernanda Espinosa will pay an official visit to Pakistan from January 18-22, 2019 on the invitation of the government. A United Nations (UN) spokesperson said while talking exclusively to Daily Times that this will be the first official visit to the Asia-Pacific region by the president of the UN General Assembly since María Fernanda Espinosa took office in September 2018. Fernanda Espinosa in a brief message said that she is, “Looking forward to strengthening the ties between Pakistan and the UN, promoting multilateralism and continuing my work with Pakistan on the priorities for the 73rd Session of the GA”. During her visit to Pakistan, she will meet Prime Minister Imran Khan, President Arif Alvi, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, as well as representatives of the UN and civil society and women’s organisations. Espinosa’s delegation includes her Chef de Cabinet, a senior adviser, a communications specialist, a co-ordination officer and her personal assistant. Travel costs are being covered by Pakistan and by the regular budget of the PGA’s Office. She would also deliver key note lecture on January 22 at the Institute of Strategic Studies. Published in Daily Times, January 13th 2019.