Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan spent 23 to 27 September in New York for the 81st United Nations General Assembly. The working visit formed part of Malaysia's effort to keep its diplomatic presence strong on the international stage. Between formal sessions, the minister used the week for talks with counterparts and regional partners. Each meeting gave him a chance to state Malaysia's positions and gauge how other governments view current crises. The General Assembly draws envoys from almost every country, which turns one venue into a full week of quieter negotiation on the sidelines. Officials have described the trip as a way of building trust with other nations while raising issues that matter to Kuala Lumpur. Consistent participation at this level, the ministry argues, is how a country of Malaysia's size stays relevant.