Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman and US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T Christensen. Photo : collage

DHAKA, June 3, 2026 (BSS) - The United States has congratulated Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman on his election as President of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), which will commence in September this year.

US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T Christensen extended his congratulations following the election held at the UN Headquarters in New York on Tuesday. 

"Congratulations, Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman, on your election as President of the 81st United Nations General Assembly," the US envoy said in a message.

The 81st session of the UNGA is scheduled to open on September 8, while world leaders will gather at the UN Headquarters in New York two weeks later for the annual high-level debate.

Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman secured a historic victory in a secret-ballot election, defeating Cyprus's candidate Andreas Kakouris.

Of the 190 ballots cast, Dr Khalilur received 99 votes, while Kakouris secured 91 votes. There were no invalid votes or abstentions.

The victory marks a significant diplomatic achievement for Bangladesh, reflecting the confidence of the international community in the country's leadership and commitment to multilateral cooperation.

Dr Khalilur will assume the presidency of the 81st UNGA session when it begins in September.