By Tuhin Sanzid

US President Donald J. Trump says ountries have ‘absolute right’ to protect their borders. he urging countries to look after their own interests on issues like trade, people smuggling and illegal immigration, and denouncing “open border activists who cloak themselves in the rhetoric of social justice.”

Donald J. Trump addresses on Tuesday, the General Debate of the UN General Assembly’s 74th session.
In his address to the UN General Assembly, which officially opened on Tuesday, Mr. Trump said that many of the 193 UN Member States are “coping with the challenges of uncontrolled migration.”

“Each of you has the absolute right to protect your borders, and so, of course, does our country. Today, we must resolve to work together to end human smuggling and human trafficking and put these criminal networks out of business for good,” he said.

While stressing that the US does not seek conflict with other nations, Mr. Trump affirmed that he will never cease to defend national interests.

The American President said his administration will partner with nations that seek peace and respect.

Denouncing Iran’s “repressive regime” as one of the “greatest security threats facing peace-loving nations today,” Mr. Trump said Tehran is “fueling the tragic wars in both Syria and Yemen.” He added that the Government is “squandering the nation’s wealth and future in a fanatical quest for nuclear weapons and means to deliver them.”

On wider issues, Mr. Trump said that while he would not accept a “bad trade deal” with China, he nevertheless hoped “we can reach a deal beneficial for both countries.”