Foreign dignitaries attending this week's United Nations General Assembly are keen on engaging with the potential next leader of the United States to gain insights into the future direction of US foreign policy.
The spotlight is on the two presidential candidates, with President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and former President Donald Trump all in focus. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to meet with both Harris and Trump to seek support in countering Russia's invasion.
Harris is scheduled to meet with the President of the United Arab Emirates, while Trump plans discussions with India's Prime Minister. Trump also recently met with Qatari leaders at his Mar-a-Lago resort.
Both candidates are fielding numerous meeting requests from various countries, with some leaders willing to adjust schedules to accommodate them. Trump may hold undisclosed meetings with world leaders, while Harris is opting for focused meetings at the White House.
While global conflicts remain crucial, domestic issues like the economy, immigration, and abortion are at the forefront of voters' minds. The UN General Assembly, therefore, takes a backseat in the election narrative.
Both candidates are not prioritizing foreign policy showcases before the election, focusing instead on campaign activities. Harris will meet with UAE's President and Ukraine's Zelensky, highlighting the ongoing Middle East crisis. Trump, on the other hand, plans to meet with Indian Prime Minister Modi.
Trump's post-presidency engagements with foreign leaders, including Hungarian Prime Minister Orbán, have drawn attention. Modi and Polish President Duda, known for nationalist policies, have also sought to strengthen ties with Trump.
Presidential candidates meeting foreign leaders ahead of elections is not uncommon, with past examples including Hillary Clinton's talks with Japanese and Ukrainian leaders in 2016. However, in 2012, President Obama limited his engagements with foreign counterparts during his reelection campaign.
