GNN, Kathmandu: Prime Minister Balendra Shah on Tuesday departed for the United States to attend the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

Prime Minister Shah and a seven-member Nepali delegation left Tribhuvan International Airport on Qatar Airways flight QR645, travelling via Doha to New York. He was seen off at the airport by Home Minister Sudan Gurung and Tourism Minister Khadkaraj Paudel.

The delegation accompanying the Prime Minister includes Chief Adviser Kumar Byanjankar, Protocol Chief Kumar Kharel, personal photographer Binay Shakya, Protocol Officer Mahesh Yadav, Lieutenant Colonel Balmukunda Bista and Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Dipesh Basnet.

During his visit, Prime Minister Shah is scheduled to represent Nepal at the UN General Assembly and address various high-level international forums. He is also expected to hold a series of high-level bilateral and diplomatic meetings focusing on Nepal’s priorities, contemporary international issues and bilateral relations.

Meanwhile, a separate Nepali delegation comprising the Foreign Minister, Foreign Secretary and Joint Secretary had already departed for the United States. The delegation is engaged in preparations and coordination for Nepal’s participation in the programmes of the 81st UN General Assembly.