Maldives top diplomat elected UN General Assembly president

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON (AA) - Maldives Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid was elected on Monday to become the next UN General Assembly President.

The 143-48 vote places Shahid on the path to succeed outgoing President Volkan Bozkir when his one-year term expires in September. Shahid beat out former Afghan Foreign Minister Zalmai Rassoul for the post.

Shortly after the vote was completed Shahid said he was "deeply humbled by the trust and confidence placed in me, and on my country, the Maldives, by this election."

"Honoured to have this opportunity to serve for the betterment of our people, planet and prosperity. #PresidencyOfHope," he said on Twitter.

Shahid will take the reins shortly before the UN General Assembly convenes for the 76th General Debate on Sept. 21. It is unclear if this year's debate will return to the traditional in-person speeches, or if the video message format that was adopted last year amid the coronavirus pandemic will continue.

Bozkir offered support as Shahid prepares to assume the presidency in September.

"My door will always be open to the President-elect @abdulla_shahid for advice and support as he prepares to take office on 14 September," he said on Twitter.

Turkey's Foreign Ministry also congratulated Shahid, saying "We wish him success during his tenure."