Trump vows to always put 'America first' at UN General Assembly

In his maiden speech to the UN General Assembly, Trump laid out his vision of a world order based on strong "sovereign nations" rather than multilateral alliances.

The Trump administration, he said, is renewing founding principle of sovereignty.

"Our government's first duty is to its people, to our citizens, to serve their needs, to ensure their safety, to preserve their rights and to defend their values.

"As president of the United States, I will always put America first, just like you, as the leaders of your countries, will always and should always put your countries first," he added.

Trump said all responsible leaders have an obligation to serve their own citizens, and the nation-state remains the best vehicle for elevating the human condition.

"But making a better life for our people also requires us to work together in close harmony and unity to create a more safe and peaceful future for all people,” he said.

He said the US will forever be a great friend to the world, and especially to its allies.

"But we can no longer be taken advantage of or enter into a one-sided deal where the United States gets nothing in return," he said.

"As long as I hold this office, I will defend America's interest above all else. But in fulfilling our obligations to our own nations, we also realize that it's in everyone's interest to seek a future where all nations can be sovereign, prosperous and secure,” said the US President.

"America does more than speak for the values expressed in the United Nations charter. Our citizens have paid the ultimate price to defend our freedom and the freedom of many nations represented in this great hall.

"If we desire to lift up our citizens, if we aspire to the approval of history, then we must fulfil our sovereign duties to the people we faithfully represent,” Trump said.

He called for upholding respect for law, respect for borders and respect for culture.

"We must protect our nations, their interests and their futures. We must reject threats to sovereignty, from the Ukraine to the South China Sea. We must uphold respect for law, respect for borders and respect for culture, and the peaceful engagement these allow,” Trump said.