NEW YORK, Nov 11: President Asif Ali Zardari arrived in New York on Tuesday afternoon to attend a special session of the United Nations General Assembly on interfaith peace and harmony to be held on Wednesday and Thursday.

American President George Bush and Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz are among more than a dozen of heads of state and government who will attend the “Culture of Peace” dialogue.

The session is being held at the initiative of King Abdullah who has been at the forefront of efforts to promote global peace and harmony and advocating a comprehensive peace between Arab states and Israel.

Israeli President Shimon Peres is expected to attend the session.

Pakistan backs efforts to promote global peace and harmony among people of diverse faith and culture, Ambassador to the United Nations Abdullah Hussain Haroon said.

The country also fully supports Saudi king’s initiative “for interfaith and inter-cultural dialogue to promote peace, understanding and tolerance” among people and respect for their diverse religious, cultural and linguistic identities.

During his stay in New York, the president will also hold meetings with leaders of different countries on the sidelines of the United Nations session.