Pakistan is assuming the office of the UN Security Council Presidency from January 1, 2013.

According to the Pakistani Mission, the ambassador informed the Secretary General that Pakistan had planned to hold two open debate on Counter-terrorism a comprehensive approach and on UN- peacekeeping: a multi-dimensional approach.

He said the foreign minister of Pakistan would preside the first event, which was scheduled on January 15.

Both counter-terrorism and peacekeeping, he said were among UN's top priorities, and were foremost in the work of the Security Council, and Secretary General's participation and briefing would bring more value to these debates.

A photographic exhibition on "Peacekeeping Pakistan for Peace" is also planned on January 21.

The debates, the Pakistani envoy said, would provide good opportunity to discuss how best the coveted comprehensive approach to counter-terrorism be pursued.

Similarly, Ambassador Khan said, discussion on the multi-dimensional aspects of peacekeeping would also reinforce and bring out the inter-linkage between peacekeeping and peace-building, as this he added, was very important in pursuing durable international peace and stability.

In addition to this, the ambassador said that an open debate on the Middle East was also planned on January 23. The Secretary-General appreciated the agenda and hoped that the debate would contribute to improving international peace and security.