Cambodian FM departs for U.N. session in New York

PHNOM PENH (Xinhua) -- Cambodian Foreign Minister Hor Namhong flew to New York on Sunday evening to attend the 69th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, which is slated to be held from Sept. 24 to Oct. 1.

The minister will deliver a speech at the U.N. session on Sept. 29.

"At the session, I will raise the issues of the world's current concerns, including wars in the Middle East, the establishment of the Islamic State (in Iraq and Syria), and conflict in Eastern Europe," he told reporters at the Phnom Penh International Airport ahead of leaving.

"These issues have caused political and security instability not only in the region, but also in the world," he said.

Hor Namhong, who is also a deputy Prime Minister, warned that the dispute in Eastern Europe could lead to the return of the Cold War due to sanctions imposed by a group of countries on another group of countries.

He said he will also ADDRESS the U.N. session on the issue of global climate change, which is a severe challenge to the whole world.

During his NEW YORK TOUR, Hor Namhong will hold separate bilateral talks with Colombia's foreign minister Maria Angela Holguin Cuellar and Georgia's foreign minister Maia Panjikidze, according to a news statement from Cambodia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

In addition, he and Serbia's foreign minister Ivica Dacic will sign a bilateral agreement on VISA exception for holders of the diplomatic and service passports, the statement said.